Conductive material dispersion, binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion, slurry for electrode film, electrode film, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery

ABSTRACT

A conductive material dispersion containing a conductive material containing carbon fibers, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium, in which the dispersant contains a copolymer A containing a nitrile group-containing structural unit and an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit, and a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 , 100° C.) of the copolymer A is 40 to 70, and the conductive material dispersion has a phase angle of 19° or greater at a frequency of 1 Hz.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2021/032213, filed on Sep. 2, 2021, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C § 119(a) to Patent Application No. 2020-148208, filed in Japan on Sep. 3, 2020, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a conductive material dispersion. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to conductive compositions, such as a binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion and a slurry for an electrode film. Still other embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrode film using the above-described conductive composition, and a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the electrode film.

BACKGROUND ART

Lithium-ion secondary batteries are widely used as batteries for electric vehicles and portable devices. With improvement in performance of electric vehicles and portable devices, the demand for high capacity, high output, small size, and low weight in lithium-ion secondary batteries is increasing year by year.

The capacity of a lithium-ion secondary battery largely depends on a cathode active material and an anode active material, which are main materials. Therefore, various materials for use as electrode active materials in lithium-ion secondary batteries are being actively researched. However, in a case of using the electrode active materials in practical use, the charging capacities of the above-described secondary batteries have all reached a level close to a theoretical value, and any improvement is close to a limit. Meanwhile, by increasing the filling amount of the electrode active material in the electrode film, the charging capacity can easily be increased. Therefore, attempts have been made to reduce the added amounts of conductive material and binder resin, which do not directly contribute to the charging capacity.

The conductive material plays a role in forming conductive paths inside the electrode film and connecting the particles of the electrode active material. The above-described conductive paths and connections between the particles require that disconnection due to expansion and contraction of the electrode film is unlikely to occur. In order to maintain conductive paths and connection with a small added amount of the conductive material, it is preferable to use nanocarbons having a large specific surface area as the conductive material. In particular, the use of carbon nanotubes (CNT) is effective for forming efficient conductive networks. However, nanocarbons having a large specific surface area have a strong cohesive force, and thus, there is a problem that it is difficult to disperse the nanocarbons satisfactorily in the slurry for an electrode film and/or in the electrode film.

Based on this background, many methods have been proposed to prepare a conductive material dispersion using various dispersants and to produce a slurry for an electrode film via the conductive material dispersion (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1 to 5).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1]

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-162877

[Patent Document 2]

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-193986

[Patent Document 3]

PCT Japanese Translation Patent Publication No. 2018-522803

[Patent Document 4]

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-128012

[Patent Document 5]

International Publication No. 2017-010093

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

For example, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 propose a method for improving the initial characteristics and the cycle lifespan of batteries by using a polymer such as polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyvinyl alcohol as a dispersant and dispersing the conductive material in a solvent in advance. According to these methods, by using polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyvinyl alcohol, it is possible to produce a conductive material dispersion in a well-dispersed state. However, the conductive material dispersion has a problem that the dispersed state becomes poor in the process of forming the electrode film and the conductivity deteriorates.

In Patent Literature 3 and Patent Literature 4, conductive material dispersions using hydrogenated nitrile rubber as a dispersant are proposed. However, since these hydrogenated nitrile rubbers have poor dispersibility, it is difficult to form a good conductive network using the above-described conductive material dispersions. Further, since hydrogenated nitrile rubber has high viscosity, there is a problem that it takes a long time to produce a conductive material dispersion, or the obtained conductive material dispersion has poor fluidity and poor handling, and thus, it is industrially difficult to put hydrogenated nitrile rubber into practical use.

Patent Literature 5 also proposes a conductive material dispersion using hydrogenated nitrile rubber as a dispersant. In the above-described conductive material dispersion, by using the hydrogenated nitrile rubber that exhibits specific physical properties, it is possible to improve the dispersibility of the conductive material. However, without the presence of other binding agents such as polyvinylidene fluoride, it is not possible to maintain the dispersed state of the conductive material, and it is difficult to uniformly disperse CNT having a strong cohesive force at a high concentration.

In view of this situation, the inventors have intensively studied a method for dispersing a conductive material satisfactorily in a conductive material dispersion and maintaining a good conductive network in an electrode film in order to improve the output and the cycle lifespan of a battery with a small added amount of conductive material. As a result, it was found that, even when a conductive material dispersion in a well-dispersed state could be produced as in the methods proposed in the above-described Patent Literature 1 and 2, in a case where a slurry for an electrode film was prepared by also incorporating an electrode active material, poor dispersion was likely to occur at the preparation stage. It is thought that such poor dispersion of the slurry for an electrode film would make it impossible to form a good conductive network in the electrode film, and make it difficult to obtain the desired battery characteristics.

Therefore, in order to form a good conductive network in an electrode film and improve the output and the cycle lifespan of a battery even when the added amount of conductive material is small, it is required to achieve both good dispersibility at the stage of dispersing the conductive material in the conductive material dispersion and stability at the stage of preparing the slurry for an electrode film.

Furthermore, in the lithium-ion secondary batteries, there are also a problem of battery performance degradation due to the reduction and precipitation of metal components on the anode, and a problem related to safety such as excessive heat generation or ignition due to the occurrence of a short circuit. It is conceivable that the causes of performance degradation and short-circuiting due to metal components are (1) incorporation of metal impurities such as copper and iron derived from raw materials such as conductive materials or dispersants, (2) incorporation of metal impurities such as copper and iron in the production process, and (3) reduction and precipitation on the anode after the metal ions contained in the cathode, the current collector, the battery container, and the like are eluted into the electrolytic solution.

In particular, in order to eliminate the causes (1) and (2), it is preferable to provide a process of removing contaminants such as metallic foreign matter during the production of the conductive material dispersion. Methods for removing metallic foreign matter include methods of iron removal with a magnet, filtration, and centrifugation. However, in any method, low viscosity of the conductive material dispersion is necessary to achieve the effect of removing metallic foreign matter. In the conductive material dispersions proposed in the above-described Patent Literature 3 and 4, it was confirmed that the viscosity was high, the metal foreign matter could not be removed efficiently, and the battery performance was degraded by the remaining metal foreign matter.

Here, one embodiment of the present invention provides a conductive material dispersion that can achieve both good dispersibility and stability. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a conductive composition using the above-described conductive material dispersion, more specifically, a binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a slurry for an electrode film having good dispersibility as a conductive composition using the above-described conductive material dispersion. Furthermore, still other embodiments of the present invention provide an electrode film that can improve the output and the cycle lifespan of a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a high output and good cycle life.

Solution to Problem

As a result of the intensive study of the inventors, it was found that a copolymer having a specific Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) can be suitably used as a dispersant. In a case where the above-described copolymer is used as a dispersant, high-concentration carbon fibers can be dispersed satisfactorily in the solvent. Furthermore, even when preparing a slurry for an electrode film and producing the electrode film, it is possible to maintain a good dispersed state thereof, and to form a good conductive network in the electrode. When the dispersed state of the conductive material dispersion is good, a dispersion having excellent handling properties can be obtained even when a high concentration of carbon fibers is contained, and it is possible to improve the removal efficiency of metallic foreign matter, which is an inhibitor of a conductive network. Accordingly, the rate characteristics and cycle characteristics of the battery can be improved.

In other words, the present invention includes the following embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and includes various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a conductive material dispersion containing a conductive material containing carbon fibers, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium, in which the dispersant contains a copolymer A containing a nitrile group-containing structural unit and an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit, and a Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the copolymer A is 40 to 70, and a phase angle of the conductive material dispersion at a frequency of 1 Hz obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is 19° or greater.

In the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that the complex elastic modulus obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement be less than 20 Pa.

In the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that a carbon fiber concentration x (% by mass) in the conductive material dispersion and a complex elastic modulus y (Pa) of the conductive material dispersion obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement satisfy relationships of the following expressions (1), (2), and (3). y<8x  (1) y<20  (2) 0.1≤x≤10  (3)

In the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that a content of the nitrile group-containing structural units is 15% by mass or greater and 50% by mass or less and a content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units is 40% by mass or greater and less than 85% by mass, based on a mass of the copolymer A.

In the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that the conductive material dispersion further contain 1% by mass or greater and 10% by mass or less of a base based on the mass of the copolymer A.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a conductive composition using the conductive material dispersion. In one embodiment, the conductive composition may be a binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion containing the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment and a binder resin.

In one embodiment, the conductive composition may be a slurry for an electrode film used to form the electrode film. It is preferable that the above-described slurry for an electrode film contain the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment or the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment, and an electrode active material.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrode film formed using the conductive composition. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the electrode film contain at least one selected from a group consisting of a film formed using the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment, a film formed using the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment, and a film formed using the slurry for an electrode film according to the above-described embodiment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte, in which at least one selected from a group consisting of the above-described cathode and the above-described cathode contains the electrode film according to the above-described embodiment.

The disclosure of this application is related to the subject described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-148208, filed on Sep. 3, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a conductive material dispersion that can achieve both good dispersibility and good stability.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a conductive composition containing the above-described conductive material dispersion. More specifically, it is possible to provide a binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion.

Further, it is possible to provide a slurry for an electrode film having good dispersibility. Furthermore, according to other embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrode film that can improve the output and the cycle lifespan of a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a high output and good cycle life.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGURE is a graph showing a relationship between a CNT concentration (% by mass) and a complex elastic modulus [G*] (Pa) obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement for dispersions 16 and 19 to 21, which are prepared in Examples, and comparative dispersions 7 to 10.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, as specific examples of the embodiments of the present invention, a conductive material dispersion, a binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion, a slurry for an electrode film, an electrode film, and a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The present invention also includes embodiments that are implemented within the range that does not change the gist.

<Conductive Material Dispersion>

A conductive material dispersion according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a conductive material containing carbon fibers, a dispersant containing a copolymer A, and a dispersion medium. In other words, the conductive material dispersion contains at least the copolymer A, the solvent, and the carbon fibers. The conductive material dispersion may further contain components such as bases and acids that can be incorporated into the electrodes of the secondary battery.

<Conductive Material>

The conductive material contains at least carbon fibers, and may contain conductive materials (hereinafter, referred to as other conductive materials) other than carbon fibers, as necessary. Among carbon fibers, it is preferable to include ultrashort carbon fibers such as carbon nanotubes and vapor-phase grown carbon fibers, and more preferable to include carbon nanotubes.

Examples of other conductive materials include metal powders such as those of gold, silver, and copper, silver-plated copper powder, silver-copper composite powder, silver-copper alloy, those of amorphous copper, nickel, chromium, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, indium, silicon, aluminum, tungsten, molybdenum, and platinum; and inorganic powders coated with these metals. Furthermore, other examples include powders of metal oxides such as silver oxide, indium oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, and ruthenium oxide; inorganic powders coated with these metal oxides; and carbon materials such as carbon black and graphite. One type of other conductive materials may be used alone or two or more types of other conductive materials may be used in combination.

In a case of using the other conductive materials described above, carbon black is preferable from the viewpoint of the ability to adsorb the dispersant. In the present specification, the above-described carbon fibers, carbon black, and other carbon-based conductive materials are collectively referred to as “carbon-based conductive materials”. It is preferable to use a carbon-based conductive material as a conductive material. However, the conductive material is a substance (material) different from the electrode active material which will be described later.

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) include planar graphite wound into a cylindrical shape, single-wall carbon nanotubes, and multi-wall carbon nanotubes, which may be incorporated together. Single-wall carbon nanotubes have a structure in which a single layer of graphite is wound. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes have a structure in which two or more layers of graphite are wound. The sidewalls of carbon nanotubes may not have a graphite structure. For example, in one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes may be carbon nanotubes with sidewalls having an amorphous structure.

The shape of the carbon nanotubes is not limited. Regarding the shape, such carbon nanotubes may have a variety of shapes, and specific examples thereof include needle-like, cylindrical tubular, fishbone-like (shape of a fishbone or stacked cups), card-like (platelet), and coiled shapes. In the present embodiment, the shape of the carbon nanotubes is preferably needle-like or cylindrical tubular. Carbon nanotubes may have a single shape or a combination of two or more shapes.

Examples of the form of carbon nanotubes include graphite whiskers, filamentous carbon, graphite fibers, ultrafine carbon tubes, carbon tubes, carbon fibrils, carbon microtubes, and carbon nanofibers. Carbon nanotubes may have a single form or a combination of two or more of these forms.

Examples of carbon black includes acetylene black, furnace black, hollow carbon black, channel black, thermal black, and Ketjenblack. In addition, the carbon black may be neutral, acidic, or basic, and oxidized carbon black or graphitized carbon black may be used.

The carbon purity of the carbon-based conductive material can be determined by general CHN elemental analysis, and is expressed as a content (% by mass) of carbon atoms in the carbon-based conductive material. The carbon purity is preferably 90% by mass or greater, more preferably 95% by mass or greater, still more preferably 98% by mass or greater, based on the mass of the carbon-based conductive material (assuming that the mass of the carbon-based conductive material is 100% by mass). It is preferable to have the carbon purity within the above-described range, since in this case it is possible to prevent defects such as dendrite formation due to impurities and the occurrence of a short circuit when used in a secondary battery.

The amount of metal contained in the carbon-based conductive material is preferably less than 10% by mass, more preferably less than 5% by mass, and still more preferably less than 2% by mass, with respect to 100% by mass of the carbon-based conductive material. In particular, examples of the metals contained in the carbon nanotubes include metals and metal oxides used as catalysts in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes. Specific examples thereof include metals such as iron, cobalt, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, silica, manganese, and molybdenum; metal oxides; and complex oxides thereof.

In one embodiment, the carbon-based conductive material may contain 50 ppm or less, more specifically, 20 ppm or less of elemental metallic iron in the catalyst used in the production process. In this manner, by significantly reducing the iron content as impurities remaining in the carbon-based conductive material, it is possible to suppress side reactions in the electrode, and for superior conductivity to be exhibited. The content of the metal impurities remaining in the conductive material can be determined using high-frequency inductively coupled plasma (ICP). In one embodiment, the carbon-based conductive material preferably does not contain elemental metallic iron.

A BET specific surface area of the conductive material is preferably 20 to 1,000 m²/g, and more preferably 30 to 500 m²/g.

The content of the carbon fibers in the conductive material dispersion is preferably 0.1% by mass or greater, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or greater, based on the mass of the conductive material dispersion (assuming that the mass of the conductive material dispersion is 100% by mass). The content of the carbon fibers is 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 8% by mass or less, based on the mass of the conductive material dispersion (assuming the mass of the conductive material dispersion is 100% by mass).

In addition, the content of the conductive material contained in the conductive material dispersion is preferably 0.1% by mass or greater, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or greater, based on the mass of the conductive material dispersion (assuming the mass of the conductive material dispersion is 100% by mass). The content of the conductive material is preferably 30% by mass or less, and more preferably 20% by mass or less, based on the mass of the conductive material dispersion (assuming the mass of the conductive material dispersion is 100% by mass).

In a case where the content of the conductive material in the conductive material dispersion is within the above-described range, the conductive material can be present in the dispersion in a good and stable state without sedimentation or gelation. In addition, the content of the conductive material is preferably adjusted appropriately to obtain a conductive material dispersion that exhibits appropriate viscosity, considering the specific surface area of the conductive material and affinity to the dispersion medium.

For example, from the viewpoint of both good dispersibility and stability, the content of the conductive material may be 10% by mass or less, and is preferably 8% by mass or less, based on the mass of the conductive material dispersion. In the embodiment of the present invention, since carbon fibers having a high specific surface area (such as CNT) are used as a conductive material, a content within the above-described range is preferable. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, even in a case where the concentration of the conductive material is high, the copolymer A can achieve both good dispersibility and stability. Therefore, in one embodiment, the content of the conductive material may be 5% by mass or greater and may exceed 10% by mass.

<Dispersant>

The dispersant contains the copolymer A containing an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit and a nitrile group-containing structural unit. In the conductive material dispersion, the Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the copolymer A is preferably 40 or greater and 70 or less.

In the copolymer A, the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit is a structural unit having an aliphatic hydrocarbon structure, and preferably a structural unit consisting only of an aliphatic hydrocarbon structure. The aliphatic hydrocarbon structure is at least a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon structure and may further be an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon structure. The aliphatic hydrocarbon structure may suitably be at least a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon structure, and may further be a branched aliphatic hydrocarbon structure.

Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units include alkylene structural units, alkenylene structural units, alkyl structural units, alkanetriyl structural units, and alkanetetrayl structural units. The aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit may suitably be at least an alkylene structural unit.

The alkylene structural unit is a structural unit having an alkylene structure, and preferably a structural unit consisting only of an alkylene structure. The alkylene structure is preferably a linear alkylene structure or a branched alkylene structure.

In one embodiment, the alkylene structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1A).

General Formula (1A)

In the general formula (1A), n represents an integer of 1 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 2 or greater, more preferably an integer of 3 or greater, and particularly preferably an integer of 4 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 6 or less, and more preferably an integer of 5 or less. In particular, n is preferably 4.

In the present specification, “*” indicates a bonding part to another structure.

In one embodiment, the alkylene structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1B).

General Formula (1B)

In the general formula (1B), n represents an integer of 1 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 2 or greater, and more preferably an integer of 3 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 5 or less, and more preferably an integer of 4 or less. In particular, n is preferably 3.

In one embodiment, the alkylene structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (1C).

General Formula (1C)

In the general formula (1C), n represents an integer of 1 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 4 or less, more preferably an integer of 3 or less, and still more preferably an integer of 2 or less. In particular, n is preferably 2.

A method for introducing the alkylene structural unit into the copolymer A is not particularly limited. For example, the following method of (1a) or (1b) can be used.

In the method of (1a), a monomer composition containing a conjugated diene monomer is used, and the copolymer is prepared by the polymerization reaction. The prepared copolymer contains monomer units derived from the conjugated diene monomer. In the present specification, there is a case where the “monomer unit derived from the conjugated diene monomer” is referred to as “conjugated diene monomer unit”, and there is a case where the monomer units derived from other monomers are similarly abbreviated. Then, by adding hydrogen to the conjugated diene monomer units, at least some of the conjugated diene monomer units are converted to alkylene structural units. In the following, there is a case where “hydrogen addition” is referred to as “hydrogenation”. The finally obtained copolymer A contains a unit obtained by hydrogenating the conjugated diene monomer unit, as an alkylene structural unit.

In addition, the conjugated diene monomer unit contains at least a monomer unit having one carbon-carbon double bond. Examples of the 1,3-butadiene monomer unit, which is a conjugated diene monomer unit, include at least one monomer unit selected from the group consisting of a monomer unit having a cis-1,4 structure, a monomer unit having a trans-1,4 structure, and a monomer unit having a 1,2 structure, or two or more monomer units may be included.

In one embodiment, the conjugated diene monomer units may further be monomer units that do not have a carbon-carbon double bond and that contain branchpoints. In the present specification, “branchpoint” means a branchpoint in a branched polymer. In a case where the conjugated diene monomer unit contains a monomer unit containing a branchpoint, the obtained copolymer and copolymer A are branched polymers.

In the method of (1b), a monomer composition containing an α-olefin monomer is used, and the copolymer is prepared by the polymerization reaction. The prepared copolymer contains an α-olefin monomer unit. The finally obtained copolymer A contains an α-olefin monomer unit as an alkylene structural unit.

Among these, the method of (1a) is preferable because it is easier to produce the copolymer therewith.

The number of carbon atoms of the conjugated diene monomer is 4 or greater, and preferably 4 or greater to 6 or less. Examples of the conjugated diene monomer include a conjugated diene compound such as 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, and 1,3-pentadiene. Of these, 1,3-butadiene is preferable.

In one embodiment, the alkylene structural unit may suitably be a structural unit obtained by hydrogenating a conjugated diene monomer unit (hydrogenated conjugated diene monomer unit). The alkylene structural unit more preferably includes a structural unit obtained by hydrogenating a 1,3-butadiene monomer unit (hydrogenated 1,3-butadiene monomer unit). One type of conjugated diene monomer can be used alone, or two or more types thereof can be used in combination.

Hydrogenation is preferably a method that makes it possible to selectively hydrogenate the conjugated diene monomer units. Examples of the method of hydrogenation include known methods such as an oil layer hydrogen addition method or a water layer hydrogen addition method.

Hydrogenation can be performed by conventional methods. Hydrogenation can be performed, for example, by treating a copolymer having a conjugated diene monomer unit with hydrogen gas in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst in a state where the copolymer is dissolved in a suitable solvent. Examples of hydrogenation catalyst include iron, nickel, palladium, platinum, and copper.

In the method of (1b), the number of carbon atoms of the α-olefin monomer is 2 or greater, preferably 3 or greater, and more preferably 4 or greater. The number of carbon atoms of the α-olefin monomer is preferably 6 or less, and more preferably 5 or less. Examples of the α-olefin monomer include α-olefin compounds such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, and 1-hexene. One type of α-olefin monomer can be used alone, or two or more types thereof can be used in combination.

In one embodiment, the alkylene structural unit preferably includes one selected from at least the group consisting of a structural unit having a linear alkylene structure and a structural unit having a branched alkylene structure. The alkylene structural unit is more preferably one selected from at least the group consisting of a structural unit consisting only of a linear alkylene structure and a structural unit consisting only of a branched alkylene structure. The alkylene structural unit more preferably includes one selected from at least the group consisting of a structural unit represented by the above-described general formula (1B) and a structural unit represented by the above-described general formula (1C).

The alkylene structural unit may include a structural unit having a linear alkylene structure and a structural unit having a branched alkylene structure. In a case where the alkylene structural unit includes a structural unit having a linear alkylene structure and a structural unit having a branched alkylene structure, the content of the branched alkylene structure is preferably 70% by mass or less, and more preferably 65% by mass or less, based on the mass of the alkylene structural units (that is, in a case where the mass of the alkylene structural units is 100% by mass). In particular, in one embodiment, the above-described content is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 18% by mass or less, and still more preferably 15% by mass or less.

In a case where the copolymer A includes a structural unit having a linear alkylene structure and a structural unit having a branched alkylene structure, the content of the branched alkylene structure is, for example, 1% by mass or greater, may be 5% by mass or greater, and may further be 10% by mass or greater, based on the mass of the alkylene structural units (that is, in a case where the mass of the alkylene structural units is 100% by mass).

In the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units, the content of the alkylene structural units is preferably 60% by mass or greater based on the total mass of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units (that is, in a case where the mass of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units is 100% by mass). The above-described content is preferably 70% by mass or greater, more preferably 80% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 90% by mass or greater. The content of the alkylene structural units is, for example, less than 10% by mass, may be 99.5% by mass or less, 99% by mass or less, or 98% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units (that is, in a case where the mass of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units is 100% by mass). In one embodiment, the content of alkylene structural units may be 100% by mass.

The content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units is preferably 40% by mass or greater, more preferably 50% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 60% by mass or greater, based on the mass of the copolymer A (that is, in a case where the mass of the copolymer A is 100% by mass). The content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units is preferably less than 85% by mass, more preferably 75% by mass or less, and still more preferably 70% by mass or less, based on the mass of copolymer A (that is, in a case where the mass of copolymer A is 100% by mass).

The nitrile group-containing structural unit includes a structural unit containing a nitrile group, and preferably includes a structural unit having an alkylene structure in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a nitrile group. More preferably, the nitrile group-containing structural unit is a structural unit consisting only of an alkylene structure in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a nitrile group. The alkylene structure is preferably a linear or branched alkylene structure. The nitrile group-containing structural unit may further be a structural unit having (or consisting only of) an alkyl structure substituted with a nitrile group. The number of nitrile groups contained in the nitrile group-containing structural unit is preferably one.

The nitrile group-containing structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (2A).

In the general formula (2A), n represents an integer of 2 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 6 or less, more preferably an integer of 4 or less, and still more preferably an integer of 3 or less. In particular, n is preferably 2.

The nitrile group-containing structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (2B).

In the general formula (2B), R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. R is preferably a hydrogen atom.

A method for introducing the nitrile group-containing structural unit into the copolymer A is not particularly limited. For example, the method of preparing the copolymer by a polymerization reaction by using a monomer composition containing a nitrile group-containing monomer (the method of (2a)) can be suitably used. The finally obtained copolymer A contains a unit derived from the nitrile group-containing monomer as a nitrile group-containing structural unit.

Examples of the nitrile group-containing monomer that can form a nitrile group-containing structural unit include a monomer that contains a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond and a nitrile group. Examples thereof include an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated group-containing compound having a nitrile group, and specific example thereof include acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile. In particular, from the viewpoint of increasing the intermolecular forces between the copolymers A and/or between the copolymer A and the dispersed material (adsorbed material), the nitrile group-containing monomer preferably contains acrylonitrile. One type of nitrile group-containing monomer can be used alone, or two or more types thereof can be used in combination.

The content of the nitrile group-containing structural units is preferably 15% by mass or greater, more preferably 20% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 30% by mass or greater, based on the mass of the copolymer A (that is, in a case where the mass of the copolymer A is 100% by mass). The content of the nitrile group-containing structural units is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 46% by mass or less, and still more preferably 40% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer A (that is, in a case where the mass of the copolymer A is 100% by mass). By setting the content of the nitrile group-containing structural units within the above-described range, it is possible to control the absorptivity to the dispersed material and the affinity to the dispersion medium, and to allow the dispersed material to exist stably in the dispersion medium. In addition, it is also possible to control the affinity of the copolymer A to the electrolytic solution, and to prevent defects such as the copolymer A dissolving in the electrolytic solution and increasing the resistance of the electrolytic solution in the battery.

The copolymer A may further contain any other structural unit. Examples of such structural units include amide group-containing structural units; carboxyl group-containing structural units; alkenylene structural units; alkyl structural units; and structural units containing a branchpoint such as an alkanetriyl structural unit and an alkanetetrayl structural unit. The structural unit containing a branchpoint is a structural unit different from the structural unit having a branched alkylene structure and the structural unit having a branched alkyl structure.

In one embodiment, the copolymer A preferably further contains an amide group-containing structural unit as another structural unit.

The amide group-containing structural unit is a structural unit that contains an amide group. Preferably, the amide group-containing structural unit is a structural unit having an alkylene structure substituted with an amide group. More preferably, the amide group-containing structural unit is a structural unit consisting only of an alkylene structure substituted with an amide group. The alkylene structure is preferably a linear or branched alkylene structure. The amide group-containing structural unit may further be a structural unit having (or consisting only of) an alkyl structure substituted with an amide group. The number of amide groups contained in the amide group-containing structural unit is preferably one.

In one embodiment, the amide group-containing structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (3A).

In the general formula (3A), n represents an integer of 2 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 6 or less, more preferably an integer of 4 or less, and still more preferably an integer of 3 or less. In particular, n is preferably 2. R′ represents, independently, a hydrogen atom or a substituent. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group. It is preferable that at least one R′ be a hydrogen atom, and it is more preferable that two be hydrogen atoms.

In one embodiment, the amide group-containing structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (3B).

In the general formula (3B), R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. R is preferably a hydrogen atom. R′ represents, independently, a hydrogen atom or a substituent. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group. It is preferable that at least one R′ be a hydrogen atom, and it is more preferable that two be hydrogen atoms.

A method for introducing the amide group-containing structural unit into the copolymer A is not particularly limited. For example, the following method of (3a) can be used.

In the method of (3a), a monomer composition containing an amide group-containing monomer is used, and the copolymer is prepared by the polymerization reaction. The prepared copolymer contains an amide group-containing monomer unit. The finally obtained copolymer A contains an amide group-containing monomer unit as an amide group-containing structural unit.

Examples of the amide group-containing monomer include monoalkyl(meth)acrylamides such as (meth)acrylamide, N-methyl(meth)acrylamide, N-ethyl(meth)acrylamide, N-propyl(meth)acrylamide, and N-isopropyl(meth)acrylamide; dialkyl(meth)acrylamides such as N,N-dimethyl(meth)acrylamide, and N,N-diethyl(meth)acrylamide; N-(hydroxyalkyl)(meth)acrylamides such as N-(2-hydroxyethyl)(meth)acrylamide, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)(meth)acrylamide, and N-(2-hydroxybutyl)(meth)acrylamide; diacetone(meth)acrylamide; and acryloyl morpholine.

In the present specification, “(meth)acrylic” refers to acrylic or methacrylic. In particular, in one embodiment, the amide group-containing monomer preferably contains one selected from at least the group consisting of acrylamide, methacrylamide, and N,N-dimethylacrylamide. One type of amide group-containing monomer can be used alone, or two or more types thereof can be used in combination.

The content of the amide group-containing structural units is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, still more preferably 3% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 1% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer A (that is, in a case where the mass of the copolymer A is 100% by mass). When the content of amide group-containing structural units is equal to or lower than the above-described range, it is possible to prevent the problem of gelation of the conductive material dispersion during storage, which can occur due to extremely strong hydrogen bonding between the copolymers A.

In one embodiment, the copolymer A may further contain a carboxyl group-containing structural unit as another structural unit.

The carboxyl group-containing structural unit is a structural unit that contains a carboxyl group. Preferably, the carboxyl group-containing structural unit is a structural unit having an alkylene structure substituted with a carboxyl group. More preferably, the carboxyl group-containing structural unit is a structural unit consisting only of an alkylene structure substituted with a carboxyl group. The alkylene structure is preferably a linear or branched alkylene structure. The carboxyl group-containing structural unit may further be a structural unit having (or consisting only of) an alkyl structure substituted with a carboxyl group. The number of carboxyl groups contained in the carboxyl group-containing structural unit is preferably one or two. By making the carboxyl group-containing structural unit contained in the copolymer A, it is possible to improve the adsorption force to the dispersed material, to reduce the viscosity of the conductive material dispersion, and to improve the dispersion efficiency.

In one embodiment, the carboxyl group-containing structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (4A).

In the general formula (4A), n represents an integer of 2 or greater. n is preferably an integer of 6 or less, more preferably an integer of 4 or less, and still more preferably an integer of 3 or less. In particular, n is preferably 2.

In one embodiment, the carboxyl group-containing structural unit may suitably be a structural unit represented by the following general formula (4B).

In the general formula (4B), R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. R is preferably a hydrogen atom.

The content of the carboxyl group-containing structural units is preferably less than 1% by mass, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer A (that is, in a case where the mass of the copolymer A is 100% by mass). In a case where the hydrogen bonding between the copolymers A is extremely strong, the conductive material dispersion is likely to have the problem of gelation during storage. In contrast, in a case where the content of the carboxyl group-containing structural units in the copolymer A is less than (or equal to or less than) the above-described range, it is possible to prevent the problem of gelation of the conductive material dispersion during storage.

For example, in a case of obtaining the copolymer A through the above-described method of (1a), in the copolymer A, the conjugated diene monomer unit is a monomer unit that does not have a carbon-carbon double bond in the unit, and there is a case where the conjugated diene monomer is introduced into the molecule as a monomer unit containing a branchpoint. In this case, the finally obtained copolymer A is a branched polymer and may contain the conjugated diene monomer unit as an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit containing a branchpoint such as an alkanetriyl structural unit and an alkanetetrayl structural unit.

In a case where the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit contains a structural unit containing a branchpoint, the copolymer A is a branched polymer. The branched polymer may be a reticulated polymer. The copolymer A, which contains the structural unit containing a branchpoint, can be adsorbed three-dimensionally onto the dispersed material, and thus, it is possible to more easily improve dispersibility and stability.

Preferable embodiments of the copolymer A include the following.

(A1) A copolymer A in which the total content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units and the nitrile group-containing structural units contained in the copolymer A is 80% by mass or greater and 100% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer A. The total content of each of the above-described structural units is preferably 90% by mass or greater, more preferably 95% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 98% by mass or greater.

(A2) A copolymer A in which the total content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units, the nitrile group-containing structural units, and the amide group-containing structural units contained in the copolymer A is 80% by mass or greater and 100% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer A. The total content of each of the above-described structural units is preferably 90% by mass or greater, more preferably 95% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 98% by mass or greater.

(A3) A copolymer A in which the total content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units, the nitrile group-containing structural units, the amide group-containing structural units, and the carboxyl group-containing structural units contained in the copolymer A is 80% by mass or greater and 100% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer A. The total content of each of the above-described structural units is preferably 90% by mass or greater, more preferably 95% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 98% by mass or greater.

In the present specification, the content of each of the structural units in the copolymer A can be determined by using the amount of monomer used, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and/or infrared spectroscopy (IR) measurements.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the copolymer A is preferably 40 to 70. In one embodiment, the copolymer A may contain the nitrile group-containing structural unit and the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit and have the Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of 40 to 70. In a case where a dispersion containing carbon fibers as a conductive material is prepared by using the copolymer A as a dispersant, the carbon fibers can be dispersed well.

The “Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.)” in the present invention can be measured at a temperature of 100° C. in accordance with JIS K6300-1.

In one embodiment, the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer A may be 40 or greater and 70 or less. The Mooney viscosity of the copolymer A is preferably 60 or less, more preferably 55 or less, and still more preferably 50 or less. In a case where the upper limit of the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer A is adjusted to the above-described range, the adsorption force of the copolymer A to the carbon fiber surface becomes low, it is not possible to disperse the carbon fibers having a strong cohesive force, and it is possible to easily suppress the defects of difficulty in preparing a uniform conductive material dispersion. In addition, the obtained conductive material dispersion has high viscosity, it is not possible to efficiently remove the metallic foreign matter incorporated from raw materials by methods of iron removal with a magnet, filtration, and centrifugation, and it is possible to suppress defects of battery performance deterioration due to remaining metallic foreign matter.

The method of adjusting the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer A is not particularly limited. For example, it is possible to adjust the above-described Mooney viscosity by changing the composition (for example, type, content, and hydrogenation rate of the structural unit), structure (for example, linearity), and molecular weight of the copolymer A. In addition, it is also possible to adjust the above-described Mooney viscosity by changing the conditions (for example, polymerization temperature and amount of molecular weight modifier) or the like when preparing the copolymer A.

Specifically, it is possible to adjust the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer A by the following method.

In the method of (5a), the Mooney viscosity is lowered by increasing the amount of molecular weight modifier used in the preparation of the copolymer A.

In the method of (5b), the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer A is lowered by adding a base to hydrolyze the nitrile group contained in the nitrile group-containing structural unit of the copolymer A.

In the method of (5c), the Mooney viscosity is lowered by applying a mechanical shearing force to the copolymer A or the dispersant containing the copolymer A by using a disperser that applies a higher shearing force.

Examples of the molecular weight modifier that can be used in the above-described method of (5a) include alkyl mercaptans such as octyl mercaptan, nonyl mercaptan, decyl mercaptan, dodecyl mercaptan, and 3-mercapto-1,2-propanediol; thioglycolic acid esters such as octyl thioglycolate, nonyl thioglycolate, and 2-ethylhexyl thioglycolate; 2,4-diphenyl-4-methyl-1-pentene; 1-methyl-4-isopropylidene-1-cyclohexene; alpha-Pinene; and beta-Pinene.

As the above-described method of (5b), when preparing the copolymer A containing a nitrile group-containing structural unit and an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit, a base may be added to prepare the copolymer A. In addition, the already prepared copolymer containing a nitrile group-containing structural unit and an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit may be adjusted by dissolving the copolymer in a solvent that can dissolve the copolymer, and then adding a base. As a base to be added, one selected from at least the group consisting of an inorganic base and an organic hydroxide (organic base) can be used.

Example of the inorganic base include chlorides, hydroxides, carbonates, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, tungstates, vanadates, molybdates, niobates, or borates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals; and ammonium hydroxide. Among these, from the viewpoint that cations can be easily supplied, hydroxides of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals are preferable. Examples of the hydroxide of alkali metals include lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. Examples of the hydroxide of alkaline earth metals include calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Among these, it is preferable to use one selected from at least the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. In addition, the metal contained in the inorganic base may be a transition metal.

The organic hydroxide is a salt containing an organic cation and a hydroxide ion. Examples of the organic hydroxide include trimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, cetyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, trimethylphenylammonium hydroxide, 3-trifluoromethyl-phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, and benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide. Among these, it is particularly preferable to use one selected from at least the group consisting of trimethyl-2-hydroxyethylammonium hydroxide and tetramethylammonium hydroxide.

The amount of base used is preferably 1% by mass or greater, more preferably 2% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 3% by mass or greater, based on the mass of the copolymer A. The amount of base used is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and still more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer.

When the amount used is extremely small, denaturation of the nitrile group by hydrolysis tends to occur less frequently. When the amount used is extremely large, this can cause corrosion inside the dispersing device and/or battery. From this point of view, in one embodiment, the conductive material dispersion may further contain the base having 1% by mass or greater and 10% by mass or less, based on the mass of the copolymer A.

In the method of (5b), denaturation of the nitrile group by hydrolysis can be performed by incorporating the copolymer A containing an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit and a nitrile group-containing structural unit, the base, and the solvent. Furthermore, any of the components may be incorporated.

There is no restriction on the order of addition of the copolymer A, the base, and the solvent to the container and the incorporating method, and these may be added to the container at the same time. For example, the copolymer A, the base, and the solvent may be added separately to the container. Otherwise, for example, one or both of the copolymer A and the base may be incorporated with a solvent to prepare a copolymer-containing liquid and/or a base-containing liquid, and the copolymer-containing liquid and/or the base-containing liquid may be added to the container.

In particular, in one embodiment, the method of adding a base dispersing liquid, in which the base is dispersed in the solvent, to a copolymer solution in which the copolymer A is dissolved in the solvent, while stirring, is preferable because the nitrile group can be efficiently denatured. A disperser, a homogenizer, or the like can be used for stirring. As a solvent, a solvent described later can be used.

There is no restriction on the temperature when incorporating, but denaturation can be accelerated by heating to 30° C. or higher. In addition, a small amount of water and/or alcohol may be added to the container to accelerate the denaturation of the copolymer A. Water and/or alcohol may be added to the container while incorporating the copolymer A and the base, may be added to the container before adding the copolymer A and the base to the container, or may be added to the container simultaneously with or following the copolymer A and the base. In addition, in a case where the hygroscopicity of the copolymer A, the base, and any component used as necessary is high, water may be contained as absorbed water. The amount of water and/or alcohol is preferably 0.05 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 5% by mass, and still more preferably 0.05 to 1% by mass, based on the mass of the copolymer A.

Examples of the alcohol include methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, secondary butanol, tertiary butanol, benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexanediol, pentanediol, glycerin, hexanetriol, and thiodiglycol. One type of alcohol can be used alone, or two or more types thereof can be used in combination. The hydrolysis is preferably performed in the presence of one selected from at least the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, and water, and particularly, preferably performed in the presence of water.

In the above-described method of (5c), when preparing the copolymer A containing a nitrile group-containing structural unit and an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit, the Mooney viscosity may be adjusted by applying a mechanical shearing force. In addition, the already prepared copolymer containing a nitrile group-containing monomer unit and an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit may be adjusted by dissolving the copolymer in a solvent that can dissolve the copolymer, and then applying a mechanical shearing force. The Mooney viscosity can also be lowered by applying a mechanical shearing force to the copolymer A before dissolution by using a roll or a kneader. Since the copolymer A is used as a dispersant in a state where the copolymer A is dissolved in the solvent that can dissolve the copolymer A, it is more preferable to apply the shearing force in the copolymer solution state.

Example of the method of applying the shearing force in the solution state of the copolymer A includes a method of using dispersion means such as a homogenizer and a Silverson mixer. Although the shearing force can also be applied using a disperse, it is preferable to use the dispersing means that can apply a higher shearing force, such as a homogenizer or a Silverson mixer. Examples of the method of applying a mechanical shearing force to the copolymer A before dissolution include a method of using the dispersion means such as a kneader and a two-roll mill.

Preferable embodiments of the method for producing the copolymer A include the following.

(P1) A method for producing the copolymer A including: adjusting the copolymer by the polymerization reaction by using a monomer composition containing a conjugated diene monomer and a nitrile group-containing monomer (methods (1a) and (2a)); and adding hydrogen to the units derived from the conjugated diene monomer (conjugated diene monomer unit) contained in the above-described copolymer (method of (1a)). In this method, hydrogen is added to some or all of the conjugated diene monomer units.

(P2) A method for producing the copolymer A including: adjusting the copolymer by the polymerization reaction by using a monomer composition containing a conjugated diene monomer, a nitrile group-containing monomer, and an amide group-containing monomer (methods (1a), (2a), and (3a)); and adding hydrogen to the conjugated diene monomer unit contained in the above-described copolymer (method of (1a)). In this method, hydrogen is added to some or all of the conjugated diene monomer units.

(P3) A method for producing the copolymer A including: adjusting the copolymer by the polymerization reaction by using a monomer composition containing a conjugated diene monomer and a nitrile group-containing monomer (methods (1a) and (2a)); adding hydrogen to the conjugated diene monomer unit contained in the copolymer (method of (1a)); and adding the base and hydrolyzing the nitrile group-containing structural unit contained in the copolymer (method of (5b)). In this method, hydrogen is added to some or all of the conjugated diene monomer units. In addition, in order for the copolymer A to contain the nitrile group-containing structural unit, some (but not all) of the nitrile group-containing structural units are hydrolyzed.

(P4) A method for producing the copolymer A including: adjusting the copolymer by the polymerization reaction by using a monomer composition containing a conjugated diene monomer and a nitrile group-containing monomer (methods (1a) and (2a)); adding hydrogen to the conjugated diene monomer unit contained in the copolymer (method of (1a)); and applying a mechanical shearing force to the copolymer solution (method of (5c)). In this method, hydrogen is added to some or all of the conjugated diene monomer units.

In the producing method of the above-described embodiment, the above-described monomer composition may further contain an amide group-containing monomer and/or a carboxyl group-containing monomer.

The polymerization reaction used to prepare the copolymer A is preferably an emulsion polymerization reaction, and a conventional emulsion polymerization method can be used. The polymerization agents such as emulsifiers (surfactants) used in emulsion polymerization, polymerization initiators, chelating agents, oxygen scavengers, and molecular weight modifiers, are not particularly limited, and each of these agents can be used as previously known. For example, an anionic emulsifier or an anionic and nonionic emulsifier is usually used as an emulsifier.

Examples of the anionic emulsifier include fatty acid salts such as potassium tallow acid, partially hydrogenated potassium tallow acid, potassium oleate, and sodium oleate; resin acid salts such as potassium rosinate, sodium rosinate, hydrogenated potassium rosinate, and hydrogenated sodium rosinate; and alkylbenzene sulfonates such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

Examples of the nonionic emulsifier include a polyethylene glycol ester type emulsifier, a polypropylene glycol ester type emulsifier, and a Pluronic (registered trademark) type emulsifier such as block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

Examples of the polymerization initiator include pyrolytic initiators such as persulfates (for example, potassium persulfate and ammonium persulfate); organic peroxides such as t-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene hydroperoxide, octanoyl peroxide, and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl peroxide; azo compounds such as azobisisobutyronitrile; and reducing agents such as divalent iron ions. Organic peroxides such as 5,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl peroxide; azo compounds such as azobisisobutyronitrile; and redox-based initiators consisting of these and a reducing agent such as divalent iron ions.

Among these, the redox-based initiator is preferable. The amount of initiator used may be in the range of 0.01 to 10% by mass, for example, based on the total mass of the monomer.

The emulsion polymerization reaction may be either a continuous type or a batch type. The polymerization temperature can be any temperature from low to high temperature polymerization. In one embodiment, the polymerization temperature is preferably 0 to 50° C., and more preferably 0 to 35° C. In addition, the method of adding the monomer (batch addition, split addition, and the like), polymerization time, polymerization conversion rate, and the like are also not particularly limited. A conversion rate is preferably 85% by mass or greater, and more preferably 90% or greater.

The weight average molecular weight of the copolymer A is preferably 5,000 or greater, more preferably 10,000 or greater, and still more preferably 50,000 or greater. The weight average molecular weight of the copolymer A is preferably 400,000 or less, more preferably 350,000 or less, and still more preferably 300,000 or less.

In a case where the weight average molecular weight of the copolymer A is 5,000 or greater and 400,000 or less, the absorptivity to the dispersed material and the affinity to the dispersion medium become good, and the stability of the dispersion tends to be improved.

The weight average molecular weight is a weight average molecular weight in polystyrene conversion and can be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Specifically, the weight average molecular weight can be measured by the method described in the examples.

In the conductive material dispersion according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dispersant contains at least the copolymer A. The dispersant may further contain any polymer, any copolymer, and the like. The content of the copolymer A in the dispersant is preferably 50% by mass or greater, more preferably 80% by mass or greater, and still more preferably 90% by mass or greater. In one embodiment, the content of the copolymer A in the dispersant may be 100% by mass. In other words, in this case, the dispersant consists only of the copolymer A.

The conductive material dispersion contains a solvent. The solvent is not particularly limited, but the solvent is preferably a solvent that can dissolve the copolymer A, and is preferably a solvent consisting of one of the water-soluble organic solvents, or an incorporated solvent consisting of two or more of the water-soluble organic solvents.

Examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include amides (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP), N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-diethylacetamide, N-methylcaprolactam, and the like), heterocyclic (cyclohexyl-pyrrolidone, 2-oxazolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, γ-butyrolactone, and the like), sulfoxides (dimethyl sulfoxide and the like), sulfones (hexamethylphosphorotriamide, sulfolane, and the like), lower ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and the like), and others such as tetrahydrofuran, urea, and acetonitrile.

In one embodiment, the water-soluble organic solvent preferably contains an amide-based organic solvent, and more preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone.

The dispersibility of the conductive material in the conductive material dispersion can be evaluated by the phase angle and the complex elastic modulus obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement. The phase angle means the phase shift of the stress wave in a case where the strain applied to the conductive material dispersion is a sine wave. In a case of a purely elastic body, the sine wave with the same phase as that of the applied strain is achieved, and thus, the phase angle becomes 0°. Meanwhile, in a case of a purely viscous body, the stress wave is advanced by 90°.

In a typical sample for viscoelasticity measurement, a sine wave having a phase angle greater than 0° and less than 90° is obtained. When the dispersibility of the conductive material in the conductive material dispersion is good, the phase angle becomes close to 90°, which means a purely viscous body. In addition, the complex elastic modulus of the conductive material dispersion becomes smaller as the dispersibility of the conductive material becomes is good and the viscosity of the conductive material dispersion is low.

The phase angle and the complex elastic modulus obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement depend on the concentration of the conductive material in the dispersion. In a case of using high specific surface area carbon fibers (such as CNT) as a conductive material, as the content of the conductive material containing carbon fibers decreases, the obtained dispersion becomes close to the purely viscous body, and thus, the phase angle becomes close to 90°. On the contrary, in a dispersion containing a conductive material containing carbon fibers at a high concentration, it is difficult to uniformly disperse the conductive material, and the phase angle of the obtained dispersion is less than 19°. According to the embodiment of the present invention, both the good dispersibility and stability can be achieved by using the copolymer A. Therefore, in one embodiment, even in a case where the concentration of the conductive material is high, it is possible to obtain a conductive material dispersion with a phase angle of 19° or greater at a frequency of 1 Hz.

In one embodiment, the phase angle of the conductive material dispersion at a frequency of 1 Hz obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is 19° or greater, more preferably 30° or greater, and still more preferably 45° or greater. The phase angle at a frequency of 1 Hz is preferably 90° or less, more preferably 85° or less, and still more preferably 80° or less.

In addition, in one embodiment, the complex elastic modulus of the conductive material dispersion obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is preferably less than 20 Pa, more preferably 10 Pa or less, and still more preferably 5 Pa or less. The complex elastic modulus of the conductive material dispersion is preferably 0.01 Pa or greater, more preferably 0.05 Pa or greater, and still more preferably 0.1 Pa or greater. The complex elastic modulus and the phase angle can be measured by the methods described in the examples.

The complex elastic modulus of the conductive material dispersion according to one embodiment of the present invention decreases because the aggregation of the carbon fibers is loosened by the effect of the dispersant containing the copolymer A. In one embodiment, it is preferable that a carbon fiber concentration x (% by mass) in the conductive material dispersion and a complex elastic modulus y (Pa) of the conductive material dispersion obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement satisfy relationships of the following expressions (1), (2), and (3). y<8x  (1) y<20  (2) 0.1≤x≤10  (3)

In other words, from the above-described expressions (1) and (2), the complex elastic modulus y of the conductive material dispersion obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is less than 20 Pa, and preferably satisfy y<8x. In addition, from the above-described expression (3), the carbon fiber concentration x (% by mass) is preferably in the range of 0.1≤x≤10.

As described above, the complex elastic modulus and the phase angle can be used to determine the dispersibility of the conductive material. From this point of view, examples of a preferable method for producing the conductive material dispersion include a producing method including the following process I and process II. According to this producing method, it is possible to obtain a conductive material dispersion that can achieve both good dispersibility and stability.

(Process I) A process of incorporating a conductive material containing carbon fibers, a dispersant containing the copolymer A, and a dispersion medium.

(Process II) A process of performing dispersion processing after the process I and obtaining a dispersion, of which rheometer measurement results exhibit that the phase angle at a frequency of 1 Hz is 19° or greater and the complex elastic modulus is less than 20 Pa.

In a case where carbon nanotubes (CNT) are contained as a conductive material, the physical properties can be different depending on the structure, crystallinity, and form of the unit layers that configure the CNT, as well as the structure or shape of the CNT made up of the above-described unit layers and the content of metal elements contained in the CNT. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the desired physical properties can be obtained by controlling the phase angle of the conductive material dispersion to the above-described value by using the dispersant containing the copolymer A.

The method for producing the conductive material dispersion is not particularly limited. As an example, a conductive material dispersion can be obtained by incorporating a dispersant, a solvent, and a conductive material, and dispersing the conductive material in the solvent. In this producing method, in addition to the dispersant, the solvent, and the conductive material, any component may be incorporated. As another example, a conductive material dispersion can be obtained by incorporating the conductive material and dispersing the conductive material in the solvent after dissolving the dispersant in the solvent. In this producing method, in addition to the dispersant, the solvent, and the conductive material, any component such as an additional solvent may be incorporated. In a case of incorporating the solvent, it is preferable to use the same solvent as the solvent that dissolves the dispersant. The order in which the dispersant or the conductive material is added to the container is not particularly limited. At some point of time in the process of dispersing the conductive material, the dispersant is preferably present together with the conductive material.

Examples of the dispersion method include methods of using various dispersion means such as a disperser, a homogenizer, a Silverson mixer, a kneader, a two-roll mill, a three-roll mill, a ball mill, a horizontal sand mills, a vertical sand mill, an annular bead mill, an attritor, a planetary mixer, or a high-pressure homogenizer.

In one embodiment, it is preferable to provide a process of removing contaminants such as metallic foreign matter during the production of the conductive material dispersion. In many cases, the conductive materials containing carbon fibers and the dispersant containing the copolymer A contain metallic foreign matter derived from these production processes (as line contaminants or catalysts). The removal of these metallic foreign matter is extremely important to prevent short circuits in the battery. Metallic foreign matter refers to iron, nickel, chromium, and the like, which are present in particulate form in the conductive material dispersion, and does not include those which are present in a dissolved metal ion state.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of the dispersant containing the copolymer A loosens the aggregation of carbon fibers and lowers the viscosity of the obtained conductive material dispersion. Therefore, compared to a case where the copolymer A is not contained as a dispersant, metallic foreign matter can be more efficiently removed even in a case where the content of carbon fibers in the conductive material dispersion is high. In the process of removing metallic foreign matter, the method of removing particulate metallic foreign matter from the conductive material dispersion is not particularly limited. For example, a removal method by filtration using a filter, a removal method by a vibrating sieve, a removal method by centrifugal separation, or a removal method by a magnetic force, can be employed. Among these, the method of removing metallic foreign matter such as iron, nickel, and chromium by a magnetic force is preferable because the metallic foreign matter has magnetism. In one embodiment, a method that combines the removal process by a magnetic force with the removal process by filtration using a filter is more preferable.

The type of metallic foreign matter contained in the conductive material dispersion is not particularly limited. Specific examples thereof include metals such as iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium, aluminum, magnesium, silica, manganese, and molybdenum; metal oxides of these metals; and complex oxides of these metals.

The removal method by a magnetic force may be a method that can remove metallic foreign matter, and is not particularly limited. Considering the productivity and removal efficiency, a removal method by disposing a magnetic filter in the production line of the conductive material dispersion and making the conductive material dispersion pass therethrough is preferable.

The process of removing metallic foreign matter from the conductive material dispersion by a magnetic filter is preferably performed by making the conductive material dispersion pass through the magnetic filter that forms a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density of 1,000 gauss or greater. When the magnetic flux density is low, the removal efficiency of the metal component is reduced. Therefore, in one embodiment, the magnetic flux density is preferably 5,000 gauss or greater. Considering the removal of weakly magnetic stainless steel, the magnetic flux density is more preferably 10,000 gauss or greater, most preferably 12,000 gauss or greater.

When the magnetic filter is disposed in the production line, it is preferable to put a process of removing coarse foreign matter or metal particles by using a filter, such as a cartridge filter, upstream of the magnetic filter. This is because there is a concern that coarse metal particles pass through the magnetic filter, depending on the flow rate of being filtered. In addition, although the magnetic filter can be effective even with only a single filtration, a circulation system is more preferable. This is because the circulation system improves the removal efficiency of metal particles.

In a case where a magnetic filter is disposed in the production line of the conductive material dispersion, the location of the magnetic filter is not particularly limited. For example, in a case where there is a filtration process by a filtration filter immediately before the container is filled with the conductive material dispersion, that is, before filling the container, it is preferable to put the magnetic filter in front of the filtration filter. This is to prevent contamination of the product in a case where metal components are desorbed from the magnetic filter.

After drying the conductive material dispersion, the content of metal impurities remaining in the conductive material can be analyzed using high-frequency inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The metal content consisting of iron, nickel, and chromium detected by ICP analysis includes metallic foreign matter present in particulate form, as well as those which are present in a dissolved metal ion state. In other words, the metal content of the conductive material dispersion that has passed through the removal process of metal foreign matter includes the metal foreign matter that could not be completely removed and those which are present in a dissolved metal ion state.

In one embodiment, the Fe metal element content is preferably 10 ppm or less as the metal content (amount of metal foreign matter) in the conductive material dispersion. The above Fe metal element content is more preferably 5 ppm or less, and still more preferably 1 ppm or less. In this manner, by significantly reducing the iron content of Fe metal as impurities remaining in the conductive material dispersion, it is possible to suppress side reactions in the electrode, and for superior conductivity to be exhibited.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a conductive composition using the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment. In one embodiment, the conductive composition may be a binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion. In one embodiment, the conductive composition may be a slurry for an electrode film. Hereinafter, these embodiments are described in detail.

<Binder Resin-Containing Conductive Material Dispersion>

The binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion contains the binder resin and the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment. In other words, the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion contains at least the above-described dispersant, solvent, conductive material, and binder resin. Further, in other words, the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion contains at least the copolymer A, the solvent, the carbon fibers, and the binder resin. The binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion may further contain any component such as a base and an acid.

In one embodiment, the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion can be produced by incorporating the binder resin and the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment. During the production, any component may further be incorporated together with the binder resin and the conductive material dispersion. During the production of the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion, a process of removing contaminants such as metallic foreign matter described for the above-described conductive material dispersion may be provided.

The binder resin is a resin that can bond between substances such as an electrode active material and a conductive material. In the present specification, the binder resin is a resin different from the copolymer A. In other words, the binder resin is selected from resins except for the copolymer A.

Examples of the binder resin include polymers or copolymers containing structural units such as ethylene, propylene, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, maleic acid, acrylic acid, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid, methacrylic acid ester, acrylonitrile, styrene, vinyl butyral, vinyl acetal, and vinyl pyrrolidone; resins such as polyurethane resin, polyester resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, phenoxy resin, urea resin, melamine resin, alkyd resin, acrylic resin, formaldehyde resin, silicon resin, and fluorocarbon resin; cellulose resin such as carboxymethyl cellulose; rubbers such as styrene-butadiene rubber and fluororubber; and conductive resins such as polyaniline and polyacetylene. In addition, these modified products, mixtures, or copolymers may be used.

Among these, in a case of forming a cathode film, a polymer or a copolymer having fluorine atoms in the molecules can be suitably used as a binder resin from the viewpoint of resistance. For example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, and the like are preferable. In addition, in a case of forming an anode film, carboxymethyl cellulose, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyacrylic acid, and the like can be suitably used as a binder resin from the viewpoint of good adhesion.

The weight average molecular weight of the binder resin is preferably 10,000 to 2,000,000, more preferably 100,000 to 1,000,000, and still more preferably 200,000 to 1,000,000.

The content of the copolymer A contained in the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion (BD) is preferably 0.1 to 200% by mass, more preferably 1 to 100% by mass, and still more preferably 2 to 50% by mass, based on the mass of the conductive material in the above-described dispersion (BD) (assuming that the mass of the conductive material is 100% by mass).

The content of the conductive material contained in the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion (BD) is preferably 0.05 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, based on the mass of the above-described dispersion (BD) (assuming that the mass of the above-described dispersion (BD) is 100% by mass).

The content of the binder resin contained in the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion (BD) is preferably 0.05 to 25% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 15% by mass, based on the mass of the above-described dispersion (BD) (assuming that the mass of the above-described dispersion (BD) is 100% by mass).

The binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion contains a solvent. The solvent is not particularly limited, but for example, the solvents illustrated in the description of the conductive material dispersion can be used. In addition, it is preferable to use the same solvent as the solvent contained in the conductive material dispersion.

<Slurry for Electrode Film>

In one embodiment, the above-described conductive material dispersion or the conductive composition using the above-described conductive material dispersion can be suitably used as a material to form an electrode film. Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a slurry for an electrode film. In addition, another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for preparing a slurry for an electrode film. Hereinafter, these embodiments are described in detail.

The above-described slurry for an electrode film contains the conductive material dispersion or the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment, and the electrode active material. In other words, in one embodiment, the slurry for an electrode film contains at least the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment and the electrode active material. In other words, in another embodiment, the slurry for an electrode film contains at least the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment and the electrode active material. Further, in other words, the slurry for an electrode film contains at least the copolymer A, the carbon fibers, the solvent, and the electrode active material. The slurry for an electrode film may further contain any component such as a binder resin, a base, and an acid. In the present specification, there is a case where “slurry” is referred to as “mixture slurry”.

The electrode active material is a material that serves as the basis for the battery reaction. The electrode active material is divided into a cathode active material and an anode active material based on the electromotive force.

The cathode active material is not particularly limited, but materials that can reversibly dope or intercalate lithium ions can be used. Examples of the cathode active material include metal compounds such as metal oxides and metal sulfides. Specific examples thereof include inorganic compounds such as oxides of transition metals (for example, Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn), complex oxides with lithium, and transition metal sulfides. More specific examples thereof include transition metal oxide powders such as MnO, V₂O₅, V₆O₁₃, and TiO₂; composite oxide powders of lithium and transition metals such as layered lithium nickelate, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganate, and lithium manganate with spinel structure; lithium iron phosphate materials, which are phosphate compounds with olivine structure; and transition metal sulfide powders such as TiS₂ and FeS.

The cathode active material is preferably a substance that contains at least Ni. One type of cathode active material can be used alone or plural types thereof can be used in combination.

As the anode active material, materials that can reversibly dope or intercalate lithium ions can be used. Examples of the anode active material include alloys such as metal Li, tin alloy which is an alloy thereof, silicon alloy, and lead alloy; metal oxides such as Li_(X)Fe₂O₃, Li_(X)Fe₃O₄, Li_(X)WO₂ (x is a number of 0<x<1), lithium titanate, lithium vanadate, and lithium silicate; conductive polymers such as polyacetylene and poly-p-phenylene; carbonaceous powders such as artificial graphite (for example, highly graphitized carbon materials) and natural graphite; and carbon-based materials such as resin-fired carbon materials. One type of anode active material can be used alone or plural types thereof can be used in combination.

The content of the copolymer A in the slurry for an electrode film is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, and more preferably 0.05 to 5% by mass, based on the mass of the electrode active material (assuming that the mass of the electrode active material is 100% by mass).

The content of the conductive material in the slurry for an electrode film is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 5% by mass, and still more preferably 0.03 to 3% by mass, based on the mass of the electrode active material (assuming that the mass of the electrode active material is 100% by mass).

In one embodiment, the slurry for an electrode film may contain a binder resin. In this case, the content of the binder resin in the slurry for an electrode film is preferably 0.1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 20% by mass, and still more preferably 1 to 10% by mass, based on the mass of the electrode active material (assuming that the mass of the electrode active material is 100% by mass).

In one embodiment, the solid content amount in the slurry for an electrode film is preferably 30 to 90% by mass, more preferably 30 to 80% by mass, and still more preferably 40 to 75% by mass, based on the total mass of the slurry for an electrode film (assuming that the total mass of the slurry for an electrode film is 100% by mass).

The slurry for an electrode film can be prepared by various conventional known methods. Examples of the method include a preparing method by adding the electrode active material to the conductive material dispersion, and a preparing method by adding the binder resin to the conductive material dispersion and then adding the electrode active material. Furthermore, examples of the method include a preparing method by adding the electrode active material to the conductive material dispersion and then adding the binder resin, and a preparing method by adding the electrode active material to the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion.

As a method for preparing the slurry for an electrode film, a method of adding the binder resin to the conductive material dispersion, and then performing a process of further adding and dispersing the electrode active material, is preferable. The dispersing device used for dispersion is not particularly limited. The slurry for an electrode film can be obtained by using the dispersion means described in the description of the conductive material dispersion. The copolymer A also functions as a binder. Therefore, in one embodiment, the slurry for an electrode film can be obtained without adding the binder resin. Therefore, as a method for preparing the slurry for an electrode film, a method of performing a process of adding and dispersing the electrode active material without adding the binder resin to the conductive material dispersion, is also preferable.

<Electrode Film>

The electrode film according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a film formed by using the conductive material dispersion according to the above-described embodiment or a conductive composition using the same. In other words, the electrode film contains at least one selected from a group consisting of a film formed using the above-described conductive material dispersion, a film formed using the above-described binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion, and a film formed using the above-described slurry for an electrode film.

In one embodiment, the electrode film may further include a current collector. For example, the electrode film can be obtained by coating the slurry for an electrode film on the current collector and drying the slurry, and includes the current collector and the film. In the present specification, there is a case where “the film formed by using the slurry for an electrode film” is referred to as “electrode mixture layer”.

The material and shape of the current collector used to form the electrode film are not particularly limited, and those suitable for various types of secondary batteries can be selected as appropriate. Examples of the materials of the current collector include metals such as aluminum, copper, nickel, titanium, or stainless steel, and or alloys thereof. As for the shape of the current collector, a foil in a shape of a flat plate is generally used. However, the current collector is not limited thereto, and a current collector with a roughened surface, a perforated foil-shaped current collector, or a mesh-shaped current collector can also be used.

The method for coating the current collector with the conductive material dispersion, the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion, or the slurry for an electrode film is not particularly limited, and a known method can be used. Specific examples of the method that can be used can include a die coating method, a dip coating method, a roll coating method, a doctor blade coating method, a knife coating method, a spray coating method, a gravure coating method, a screen printing method, or an electrostatic coating method. As the drying method, for example, a leaving and drying method or a method using a blower dryer, a warm air dryer, an infrared heater, or a far infrared heater can be used, but the drying method is not particularly limited thereto.

After the above-described coating, rolling treatment using a flat press, calendar rolls, and the like may be performed. The thickness of the formed film is, for example, 1 μm or greater and 500 μm or less, and preferably 10 μm or greater and 300 μm or less.

In one embodiment, a film formed by using the conductive material dispersion or the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion can also be used as a base layer for an electrode mixture layer. By providing such a base layer, it is possible to improve the adhesion between the electrode mixture layer and the current collector, or to improve the conductivity of the electrode film.

<Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Secondary Battery>

A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte, and one selected from at least the group consisting of the cathode and the anode includes the electrode film according to the above-described embodiment.

For example, as a cathode, an electrode film prepared by coating the current collector with the slurry for an electrode film containing the cathode active material and drying the slurry, can be used.

As an anode, an electrode film prepared by coating the current collector with the slurry for an electrode film containing the anode active material and drying the slurry, can be used.

As electrolytes, a variety of conventionally known materials that can move ions can be used. Although not particularly limited, examples of the electrolytes may include lithium salts such as LiBF₄, LiClO₄, LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiSbF₆, LiCF₃SO₃, Li(CF₃SO₂)₂N, LiC₄F₉SO₃, Li(CF₃SO₂)₃C, LiI, LiBr, LiCl, LiAlCl, LiHF₂, LiSCN, or LiBPh₄ (where Ph is a phenyl group). It is preferable to dissolve the electrolyte in a non-aqueous solvent and use the dissolved electrolyte as an electrolytic solution.

Although not particularly limited, examples of the non-aqueous solvents include carbonates such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, and diethyl carbonate; lactones such as γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, and γ-octanoic lactone; glymes such as tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, 1,2-methoxyethane, 1,2-ethoxyethane, and 1,2-dibutoxyethane; esters such as methyl formate, methyl acetate, and methyl propionate; sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide and sulfolane; and nitriles such as acetonitrile. Each of these solvents may be used alone, or a mixture of two or more types of thereof may be used.

In one embodiment, the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery preferably contains a separator. The separators are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyethylene nonwoven fabrics, polypropylene nonwoven fabrics, polyamide nonwoven fabrics, and nonwoven fabrics obtained by performing hydrophilic treatment on these nonwoven fabrics.

The structure of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery may generally have a cathode, an anode, and a separator provided as needed. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery can be configured in various shapes, such as a paper shape, a cylindrical shape, a button shape, and a stacked shape, depending on the purpose of use.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is described in more detail in the following examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples as long as the gist of the present invention is not exceeded. In addition, unless otherwise specified, “part” indicates “part by mass” and “%” indicates “% by mass”.

Further, in the examples, there is a case where “copolymer A” is referred to as “copolymer” or “dispersant”. Furthermore, there is a case where “dispersant-containing liquid” containing a “dispersant” and a solvent is referred to as “dispersant solution”. In addition, in the examples, iron is used as a measuring target of the metal content in the conductive material dispersion, but the metal in the conductive material dispersion is not limited to iron.

The various measurements and evaluations in the examples which will be described later were performed as follows.

<Measurement of Weight Average Molecular Weight (Mw) of Copolymer>

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the copolymer was measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) equipped with an RI detector. HLC-8320GPC (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) was used as a device, and three separation columns were connected in series. “TSK-GEL SUPER AW-4000”, “AW-3000”, and “AW-2500” manufactured by Tosoh Corporation were used as fillers for the above-described separation columns, in this order. The measurement was performed at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min by using N,N-dimethylformamide solution of 30 mM triethylamine and 10 mM LiBr as eluents at an oven temperature of 40° C. As a measurement sample, the concentration of the copolymer solution was adjusted to a concentration of 1% by using a solvent consisting of the above-described eluent, and 20 microliters of the adjusted solution was injected into the device. The weight average molecular weight is the polystyrene equivalent.

<Measurement of Hydrogen Addition Rate of Copolymer>

The hydrogen addition rate was determined from the measured value obtained by performing IR measurement using the infrared spectrophotometric analysis method by a total reflection measurement method. Specifically, the double bond derived from the conjugated diene monomer unit shows a peak at 970 cm⁻¹, while the hydrogen-added single bond shows a peak at 723 cm⁻¹. Therefore, the hydrogen addition rate was calculated from the ratio of the heights of these two peaks.

<Measurement of Mooney Viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of Copolymer>

The Mooney viscosity of the copolymer A is measured by preparing a measurement sample using a copolymer solution containing a solvent capable of dissolving the copolymer A. Specifically, to prepare the measurement sample, first, in a case where the copolymer A is dissolved in NMP, the NMP solution of the copolymer A is coagulated with water. Then, the sample is washed with methanol and vacuum dried at a temperature of 60° C. for 12 hours. Using 40 g of the measurement sample obtained in this manner, the Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) was measured using an L-shaped rotor at a temperature of 100° C. in accordance with the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K6300-1.

<Measurement of Initial Viscosity of Conductive Material Dispersion>

To measure the viscosity value, first, using a B-type viscometer (“BL” manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.), the conductive material dispersion was sufficiently stirred with a spatula at a temperature of 25° C. After this, the viscosity value of the conductive material dispersion was immediately measured at a rotation speed of 60 rpm of the B-type viscometer rotor. In the measurement, in a case where the viscosity value was less than 100 mPa·s, the No.

1 rotor was used. In a case where the viscosity value was 100 mPa·s or greater and less than 500 mPa·s, the No. 2 rotor was used. In a case where the viscosity value was 500 mPa·s or greater and less than 2,000 mPa·s, the No. 3 rotor was used. Furthermore, in a case where the viscosity value was 2,000 mPa·s or greater and less than 10,000 mPa·s, the No. 4 rotor was used. As the viscosity decreases, the dispersibility becomes better, and as the viscosity increases, the dispersibility becomes worse. When the obtained conductive material dispersion was clearly separated or settled, it was determined that the dispersibility was poor.

(Determination Criteria for Initial Viscosity)

⊚: Less than 500 mPa·s (excellent)

O: 500 mPa·s or greater and less than 2,000 mPa·s (good)

Δ: 2,000 mPa·s or greater and less than 10,000 mPa·s (acceptable)

X: 10,000 mPa·s or greater, sedimentation or separation (poor)

<Measurement of Complex Elastic Modulus and Phase Angle of Conductive Material Dispersion>

The complex elastic modulus and the phase angle of the conductive material dispersion were measured using a rheometer (RheoStress 1 rotational rheometer manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific) with a 60 mm diameter and 2° cone. The dynamic viscoelastic modulus was measured in the range of 0.01% to 5% strain rate at 25° C. and frequency of 1 Hz, and evaluated according to the following criteria. As the value of the obtained phase angle increases, the dispersibility becomes better, and as the value decreases, the dispersibility becomes worse. In addition, as the obtained complex elastic modulus decreases, the dispersibility becomes better, and as the modulus increases, the dispersibility becomes worse.

(Determination Criteria for Phase Angle)

⊚: 45° or greater (excellent)

O: 30° or greater and less than 45° (good)

Δ: 19° or greater and less than 30° (acceptable)

X: Less than 19° (poor)

(Determination Criteria for Complex Elastic Modulus)

⊚: Less than 5 Pa (excellent)

O: 5 Pa or greater and less than 20 Pa (acceptable)

X: 20 Pa or greater (poor)

XX: 100 Pa or greater (extremely poor)

<Stability Evaluation of Conductive Material Dispersion>

Storage stability was evaluated based on the change in liquid properties after storing the conductive material dispersion at 50° C. for 7 days. The change in liquid properties was determined from the ease of stirring when stirred with a spatula.

(Determination Criteria)

O: No problem (good)

Δ: Viscosity increases, but gelation does not occur (acceptable)

X: Gelation is occurring (extremely poor)

<Measurement of Metal Content in Conductive Material Dispersion>

The metal content in the conductive material dispersion can be analyzed using high-frequency inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The conductive material dispersion was pretreated by the acid decomposition method in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K0116; 2014, and the content of iron ions and atoms was measured by ICP emission spectrometry method.

<Conductivity Evaluation of Cathode Mixture Layer>

The cathode film for conductivity evaluation was obtained by coating a PET film (100 μm thick) with the cathode mixture slurry by using an applicator having a gap of 175 μm, and by drying the coated PET film in a hot air oven at 70° C. for 10 min and in a hot air oven at 120° C. for 15 min.

The surface resistivity (Ω/□) of the cathode mixture layer was measured by using Lorestar GP, MCP-T610 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Analytech, Co., Ltd. After the measurement, the volume resistivity (Ω·cm) was determined by multiplying the thickness of the cathode mixture layer formed on the PET film. The thickness of the cathode mixture layer was determined as the difference between the average value of the cathode film and the film thickness of the PET film by measuring three points in the cathode film to obtain the average value of the cathode film, by using a film thickness meter (DIGIMICRO MH-15M manufactured by NIKON Corporation).

(Determination Criteria)

⊚: Volume resistivity (Ω·cm) of the cathode mixture layer is less than 10 (excellent).

O: Volume resistivity (Ω·cm) of the cathode mixture layer is 10 or greater and less than 20 (good).

X: Volume resistivity (Ω·cm) of the cathode composite layer is 20 or greater (poor)

<Rate Characteristics Evaluation of Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Secondary Battery>

The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery was installed in a thermostatic chamber at 25° C., and charging and discharging measurement was performed by using a charging and discharging device (SM-8 manufactured by Hokuto Denko Corporation). After performing constant-current constant-voltage charging (cutoff current 1 mA (0.02 C)) at an end-of-charge voltage of 4.3 V with a charge current of 10 mA (0.2 C), constant-current discharging was performed at an end-of-discharge voltage of 3V with a discharge current of 10 mA (0.2 C). After repeating this operation three times, constant-current constant-voltage charging (cutoff current (1 mA (0.02 C)) was performed at an end-of-charge voltage of 4.3 V with a charge current of 10 mA (0.2 C), constant-current discharging was performed at discharge currents of 0.2 C and 3 C until the end-of-discharge voltage reached 3.0 V, and the discharge capacities were determined, respectively. The rate characteristics can be expressed as a ratio of 0.2 C discharge capacity to 3 C discharge capacity (Equation 1 below). Rate characteristics=3 C discharge capacity/0.2 C discharge capacity at third time×100(%)  (Equation 1)

(Determination Criteria)

⊚: Rate characteristics are 80% or greater (excellent)

O: Rate characteristics are 60% or greater and less than 80% (good)

X: Rate characteristics are 30% or greater and less than 60% (poor)

XX: Rate characteristics are less than 30% (extremely poor)

<Cycle Characteristic Evaluation Method of Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Secondary Battery>

The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery was installed in a thermostatic chamber at 25° C., and charging and discharging measurement was performed by using a charging and discharging device (SM-8 manufactured by Hokuto Denko Corporation). After performing constant-current constant-voltage charging (cutoff current 2.5 mA (0.05 C)) at an end-of-charge voltage of 4.3 V with a charge current of 25 mA (0.5 C), constant-current discharging was performed at an end-of-discharge voltage of 3V with a discharge current of 25 mA (0.5 C). This operation was repeated 200 times. The cycle characteristics can be expressed as a ratio of the 0.5 C discharge capacity at the third time at 25° C. to the 0.5 C discharge capacity at the 200th time (Equation 2 below). Cycle characteristics=0.5 C discharge capacity at third time/0.5 C discharge capacity at the 200th time×100(%)  (Equation 2)

(Determination Criteria)

⊚: Cycle characteristics are 85% or greater (excellent)

O: Cycle characteristics are 80% or greater and less than 85% (good)

X: Cycle characteristics are 60% or greater and less than 80% (poor)

XX: Cycle characteristics are less than 60% (extremely poor)

<1> Production of Dispersant

(Synthesis Example of Copolymer and Preparation Example of Dispersant-Containing Liquid)

Synthesis Example 1: Preparation of Copolymer 1

To a stainless steel polymerization reactor, 30 parts acrylonitrile, 70 parts 1,3-butadiene, 3 parts potassium oleate soap, 0.3 parts azobisisobutyronitrile, 0.55 parts t-dodecyl mercaptan, and 200 parts ion-exchanged water were added. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, the polymerization was performed for 20 hours at 45° C. with stirring, and the polymerization was completed at a conversion rate of 90%. Unreacted monomers were removed by reduced pressure stripping to obtain acrylonitrile-conjugated diene rubber latex with a solid content concentration of approximately 30%.

Then, ion-exchanged water was added to the latex to adjust the total solid content concentration to 12%, and the latex was put into an autoclave with a stirrer with a volume of 1 L, and nitrogen gas was flowed for 10 minutes to remove the dissolved oxygen in the contents. The catalyst solution was prepared by dissolving 75 mg of palladium acetate as a hydrogenation catalyst in 180 mL of ion-exchanged water in which 4 times the molar amount of nitric acid was added to palladium.

The catalyst solution was added to the autoclave, and the inside of the autoclave was replaced with hydrogen gas 2 times. After this, the contents of the autoclave were heated to 50° C. in a state of being pressurized with hydrogen gas up to 3 MPa, and the hydrogenation reaction was performed contents for 6 hours. The contents were then returned to room temperature, the autoclave was made to have a nitrogen atmosphere, and then, the solid content was dried and a copolymer 1 was collected.

The hydrogen addition rate of the copolymer 1 was 99.5%, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 150,000. In the acrylonitrile-conjugated diene rubber, the content of the conjugated diene monomer units was 70% and the content of the nitrile group-containing monomer units was 30%, based on the mass of acrylonitrile-conjugated diene rubber. In addition, in the copolymer 1, the content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units containing the alkylene structural unit was 70%, and the content of the nitrile group-containing monomer units was 30%, based on the mass of the copolymer 1. These contents of the monomer units and structural units were determined from the amount of monomers used (the same applies to the following synthetic examples).

Production Example 1: Preparation of Dispersant 1-containing Liquid

A dispersant 1-containing liquid containing the copolymer 1 (dispersant 1) and the NMP was obtained by putting 9 parts of the copolymer 1 obtained in Synthesis Example 1 and 91 parts of NMP into a stainless steel container 1 and stirring for 1 hour with a disperser.

The Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the dispersant 1 was measured to be 50. In the dispersant 1, the content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units was 70% and the content of the nitrile group-containing monomer units was 30%, based on the mass of the dispersant 1. These contents of the structural units were determined by using the amount of monomer used, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and/or IR (infrared spectroscopy) measurements (the same applies to the following synthetic examples).

Synthesis Example 2: Preparation of Copolymer 2

A copolymer 2 was obtained in the same manner as that in Synthetic Example 1, except that the content of t-dodecyl mercaptan used as a molecular weight modifier was changed to 0.35 parts.

The hydrogen addition rate of the copolymer 2 was 99.2%, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 180,000. In the copolymer 2, the content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units containing the alkylene structural unit was 70%, and the content of the nitrile group-containing monomer units was 30%, based on the mass of the copolymer 2.

Production Example 2: Preparation of Dispersant 2-Containing Liquid

A suspension of NaOH was prepared by putting 16 parts of NaOH and 84 parts of NMP into the stainless steel container 1 and stirring for 1 hour with a disperser. The solution of the copolymer 2 was prepared by putting 9 parts of the copolymer 2 obtained in Synthesis Example 2 and 91 parts of NMP into a stainless steel container 2 and stirring for 1 hour with a disperser.

Then, the NaOH suspension and the copolymer 2 solution were put into the stainless steel container, and NMP was further added to adjust the concentration and stirred with a disperser for 2 hours such that the composition excluding NMP becomes the composition shown in Table 1. In this manner, the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer 2 was adjusted to obtain a dispersant 2-containing liquid containing a dispersant 2 (copolymer 2 after incorporating with NaOH suspension), NaOH, and NMP. The Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the dispersant 2 was measured to be 42.

Synthesis Example 3: Preparation of Copolymer 3

A copolymer 3 was obtained in the same manner as that in Synthetic Example 1, except that the content of t-dodecyl mercaptan used as a molecular weight modifier was changed to 0.25 parts.

The hydrogen addition rate of the copolymer 3 was 99.1%, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 230,000. In the copolymer 3, the content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural units containing the alkylene structural unit was 70%, and the content of the nitrile group-containing monomer units was 30%, based on the mass of the copolymer 3.

Production Example 3: Preparation of Dispersant 3-Containing Liquid

A dispersant 3-containing liquid was obtained in the same manner as that in Production Example 1, except that the copolymer 3 was used and the disperser used was changed to a homogenizer to apply a shearing force to the solution. The dispersant 3-containing liquid contains the copolymer 3 (dispersant 3), of which the Mooney viscosity is adjusted by shearing treatment, and NMP. The Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the dispersant 3 was measured to be 55.

In addition, the abbreviations listed in the columns for monomers and molecular weight modifiers in Table 1 means the following.

BD: 1,3-butadiene

MBD: 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene

AN: Acrylonitrile

AAm: Acrylamide

BA: Butylacrylate

TDM: t-dodecyl mercaptan

Production Examples 4 to 9: Preparation of Dispersant 4-Containing Liquid to Dispersant 9-Containing Liquid, and Comparative Production Examples 1 to 3: Preparation of Comparative Dispersant 1-Containing Liquid to Comparative Dispersant 3-Containing Liquid

The monomer composition, the amount of base, and the presence or absence of shearing treatment during preparation, which were used to form the copolymer, were changed according to Table 1, and dispersant 4-containing liquid to dispersant 9-containing liquid and comparative dispersant 1-containing liquid to comparative dispersant 3-containing liquid are obtained with reference to Production Examples 1 to 3. The Mooney viscosities of each dispersant are shown in Table 1.

Production Example 10: Preparation of Dispersant 10-Containing Liquid

H-NBR1 (H-NBR (hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber) Therban® 3406 manufactured by ARLANXEO and having acrylonitrile content of 34%) and NMP were added to the stainless steel container 1, and was dissolved with a disperser, and further, a high shearing force was also applied to the H-NBR1 solution using a homogenizer to obtain the dispersant 10-containing liquid. The Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the dispersant 10 was measured to be 50.

Production Example 12: Preparation of Dispersant 12-Containing Liquid

The NaOH suspension and the solution of H-NBR2 prepared in the same manner as that of Production Example 2 were put into the stainless steel container 1 such that NaOH and H-NBR2 (H-NBR (hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber) Zetpol® 2000L manufactured by Zeon Corporation and having acrylonitrile content of 36.2%) achieves the composition shown in Table 1. Furthermore, NMP was added to adjust the concentration, and a high shearing force is applied to the solution by stirring the solution with a homogenizer for 2 hours. In this manner, the Mooney viscosity of the H-NBR2 was adjusted to obtain a dispersant 12-containing liquid containing a dispersant 12 (H-NBR2 after incorporating with the NaOH suspension), NaOH, and NMP. The Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the dispersant 12 was measured to be 48.

Production Examples 11 and 13: Preparation of Dispersant 11-Containing Liquid and Dispersant 13-Containing Liquid

The type and amount of base used to adjust the Mooney viscosity of the copolymer were changed according to Table 1, and the dispersant 11-containing liquid and the dispersant 13-containing liquid were obtained with reference to Production Examples 10 and 12, respectively. The Mooney viscosities of each of the dispersants 11 and 13 are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Amount of Amount of molecular base with Mooney weight respect to viscosity Monomer modifier copolymer Shearing (ML₁₊₄, Copolymer BD MBD AN AAm BA (TDM) Base [%] treatment 100° C.) Dispersant 1 Copolymer 1 70 30 0.55 — — 50 Dispersant 2 Copolymer 2 70 30 0.35 NaOH 5 — 42 Dispersant 3 Copolymer 3 70 30 0.25 — ∘ 55 Dispersant 4 Copolymer 4 60 40 0.40 — — 50 Dispersant 5 Copolymer 5 70 30 0.45 — — 55 Dispersant 6 Copolymer 6 70 30 0.25 NaOH 5 ∘ 45 Dispersant 7 Copolymer 7 50 20 30 0.25 NaOH 5 ∘ 45 Dispersant 8 Copolymer 8 68 30 2 0.30 — ∘ 45 Dispersant 9 Copolymer 9 57 40 3 0.35 NaOH 7 ∘ 45 Dispersant 10 H-NBR1 — — ∘ 50 Dispersant 11 H-NBR1 NaOH 5 ∘ 45 Dispersant 12 H-NBR2 NaOH 7 ∘ 48 Dispersant 13 H-NBR2 KOH 8 ∘ 45 Comparative Copolymer 10 70 30 0.25 — — — 90 Dispersant 1 Comparative Copolymer 11 50 30 20 0.10 — — ∘ 90 Dispersant 2 Comparative Copolymer 12 70 30 0.75 — — — 20 Dispersant 3

In addition, the incorporation of the base and the copolymer is not limited to the order and method described in the examples. In one embodiment, hydrolysis is more likely to proceed when the base is dispersed (or dissolved) in the solvent beforehand and added to the copolymer solution because the contact efficiency between the base and the copolymer is higher. In addition, this is also effective in stabilizing quality control and shortening production time.

<2> Preparation of Conductive Material Dispersion (Example 1-1)

According to the composition shown in Table 2, the previously prepared dispersant-containing liquid (containing dispersant, NMP, and base when stated) was added to the stainless steel container, and after adjusting the concentration by further adding NMP, the mixture was stirred with a dispenser until the mixture became uniform.

After this, the conductive material was added while stirring with a disperser, a square hole high shear screen was attached to a high shear mixer (L5M-A manufactured by SILVERSON), the entire mixture became uniform at a speed of 8,500 rpm, and batch dispersion was performed with a grind gauge until the dispersion particle size became 250 μm or less. Then, the dispersed liquid was supplied from the stainless steel container to a high-pressure homogenizer (Star Burst Labo HJP-17007 manufactured by Sugino Machine Limited) via piping, and the pass-type dispersion treatment was performed 25 times.

The above-described dispersion treatment was performed using a single nozzle chamber having a nozzle diameter of 0.25 mm and a pressure of 100 MPa. Furthermore, the conductive material dispersion (dispersion 1) was obtained by making the solution pass through a nylon mesh having a mesh opening of 48 μm 3 times and then filtering the solution through a magnetic filter (manufactured by Tok Engineering Co., Ltd.) at room temperature and a magnetic flux density of 12,000 gauss. As shown in Table 2, the composition of the obtained conductive material dispersion of Example 1-1 contains 5% of 100T and 1% of the dispersant 1, and the remaining 94% is NMP, based on the total mass of the dispersion.

On the magnetic filter after filtration, adhesion of magnetic granular metal pieces was observed. In addition, as shown in Table 2, the dispersion 1 had low viscosity and good stability, and the Fe metal element content was 0.9 ppm as measured by the ICP analysis method.

Examples 1-2 to 1-21 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-5 and 1-7 to 1-10

In accordance with the composition shown in Table 2, each dispersion (dispersions 2 to 21 and comparative dispersions 1 to 5 and 7 to 10) was obtained in the same manner as that in Example 1-1. As shown in Table 3, the conductive material dispersions (dispersions 2 to 21) of the present invention all had low viscosity and good stability.

Comparative Examples 1 to 6

According to the composition shown in Table 2, the dispersant 1-containing liquid (containing the dispersant 1 and NMP) was added to the stainless steel container, the concentration was adjusted by adding NMP, and then, the mixture was stirred with a dispenser until the mixture became uniform.

After this, the conductive material was added while stirring with a disperser, a square hole high shear screen was attached to a high shear mixer (L5M-A manufactured by SILVERSON), the entire mixture became uniform at a speed of 8,500 rpm, and batch dispersion was performed with a grind gauge until the dispersion particle size became 250 μm or less. Then, the dispersed liquid was supplied from the stainless steel container to a high-pressure homogenizer (Star Burst Labo HJP-17007 manufactured by Sugino Machine Limited) via piping, and the pass-type dispersion treatment was performed 10 times.

The above-described dispersion treatment was performed using a single nozzle chamber having a nozzle diameter of 0.25 mm and a pressure of 100 MPa. Furthermore, the comparative dispersion 6 was obtained by making the solution pass through a nylon mesh having a mesh opening of 48 μm 3 times and then filtering the solution through a magnetic filter (manufactured by Tok Engineering Co., Ltd.) at room temperature and a magnetic flux density of 12,000 gauss.

The initial viscosity of the obtained comparative dispersion 6 was 5,000 mPa·s, and the phase angle was measured to be 14°.

In addition, the abbreviations in Table 2 refer to the following.

-   -   100T: K-Nanos 100T (manufactured by Kumho Petrochemical Co.,         Ltd., multilayer CNT, outer diameter 10 to 15 nm)     -   Flotube 9110: Cnano FT9110CNT (manufactured by Cnano Technology         Ltd., multilayer CNT, average outer diameter 11 nm)     -   BT1003M: LUCAN BT1003M (manufactured by LG Chem Ltd., multilayer         CNT, average outer diameter 13 nm)     -   8S: JENOTUBE8S (manufactured by JEIO Co., Ltd., multilayer CNT,         outer diameter 6 to 9 nm)     -   HS-100: Denka Black HS-100 (manufactured by Denka Company         Limited, acetylene black, average primary particle diameter 48         nm, specific surface area 39 m²/g)     -   PVP: Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 (manufactured by Nippon Shokubai         Co., Ltd., solid content 100%)     -   H-NBR3: Zetpole® 3300 (manufactured by Zeon Corporation, Mooney         viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) 80, acrylonitrile content 23.6%)

TABLE 2 Conductive material Dispersant Example Conductive Added Added Comparative material amount amount Example dispersion Type (part) Type (part) Example 1-1 Dispersion 1 100T 5 Dispersant 1 1 Example 1-2 Dispersion 2 100T 5 Dispersant 2 1 Example 1-3 Dispersion 3 100T 5 Dispersant 3 1 Example 1-4 Dispersion 4 100T 5 Dispersant 4 1 Example 1-5 Dispersion 5 100T 5 Dispersant 5 1 Example 1-6 Dispersion 6 100T 5 Dispersant 6 1 Example 1-7 Dispersion 7 100T 5 Dispersant 7 1 Example 1-8 Dispersion 8 100T 5 Dispersant 8 1 Example 1-9 Dispersion 9 100T 5 Dispersant 9 1 Example 1-10 Dispersion 10 100T 5 Dispersant 10 1 Example 1-11 Dispersion 11 100T 5 Dispersant 11 1 Example 1-12 Dispersion 12 100T 5 Dispersant 12 1 Example 1-13 Dispersion 13 100T 5 Dispersant 13 1 Example 1-14 Dispersion 14 Flotube 5 Dispersant 6 1 9110 Example 1-15 Dispersion 15 BT1003M 5 Dispersant 6 1 Example 1-16 Dispersion 16 8S 2.5 Dispersant 6 0.625 Example 1-17 Dispersion 17 8S/HS-100 2/3 Dispersant 6 1 Example 1-18 Dispersion 18 8S/HS-100 2/8 Dispersant 6 1.5 Comparative Comparative 100T 5 H-NBR3 1 Example 1-1 Dispersion 1 Comparative Comparative 100T 5 Comparative 1 Example 1-2 Dispersion 2 Dispersant 1 Comparative Comparative 100T 5 Comparative 1 Example 1-3 Dispersion 3 Dispersant 2 Comparative Comparative 100T 5 Comparative 1 Example 1-4 Dispersion 4 Dispersant 3 Comparative Comparative 100T 5 PVP 1 Example 1-5 Dispersion 5 Comparative Comparative 100T 5 Dispersant 1 1 Example 1-6 Dispersion 6 Example 1-19 Dispersion 19 8S 2 Dispersant 6 0.5 Example 1-20 Dispersion 20 8S 1.5 Dispersant 6 0.375 Example 1-21 Dispersion 21 8S 1 Dispersant 6 0.25 Comparative Comparative 8S 2.5 Comparative 0.625 Example 1-7 Dispersion 7 Dispersant 1 Comparative Comparative 8S 2 Comparative 0.5 Example 1-8 Dispersion 8 Dispersant 1 Comparative Comparative 8S 1.5 Comparative 0.375 Example 1-9 Dispersion 9 Dispersant 1 Comparative Comparative 8S 1 Comparative 0.25 Example 1-10 Dispersion 10 Dispersant 1

As shown in Table 3, the conductive material dispersions (dispersions 1 to 21) of the examples all had low viscosity and good storage stability. In particular, dispersions, in which the measured value of the Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the copolymer A contained in the dispersant was 40 or greater and 50 or less, had extremely low viscosity.

The comparative dispersions 1 to 10 had high viscosity and poor storage stability. In particular, the comparative dispersions 1 to 3 had extremely poor storage stability.

Similarly, the dispersions 1 to 18 were all good in terms of complex elastic modulus and phase angle. In contrast, the comparative dispersions 1 to 3 and 5 were poor. In particular, the complex elastic modulus of the comparative dispersion 1 was approximately 300 Pa, which was extremely poor.

Table 4 shows the content of Fe metal elements measured by the ICP analysis method for Examples 1-1 and 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-1, 1-2, and 1-6. As shown in Table 4, it is possible to confirm that, by obtaining the conductive material dispersions having low viscosity, such as the dispersion 1 and the dispersion 6, the processes of iron removal with a magnet and filtration can be performed efficiently during the production of the dispersion.

Meanwhile, the comparative dispersions 1, 2, and 6 had high viscosity, and the metallic foreign matter removal process could not be performed efficiently.

TABLE 3 Example Initial Phase Complex Comparative Example viscosity Stability angle elastic modulus Example 1-1 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-2 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-3 0 ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-4 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-5 ⊚ ◯ ◯ ◯ Example 1-6 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-7 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-8 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-9 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-10 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-11 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-12 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-13 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-14 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-15 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-16 ◯ ◯ ⊚ ◯ Example 1-17 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-18 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Comparative Example 1-1 X XX XX XX Comparative Example 1-2 X XX X X Comparative Example 1-3 X XX X X Comparative Example 1-4 Δ X Δ X Comparative Example 1-5 Δ X X X Comparative Example 1-6 Δ Δ X X Example 1-19 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-20 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Example 1-21 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ Comparative Example 1-7 X XX X XX Comparative Example 1-8 X X X X Comparative Example 1-9 X X X X Comparative Example 1-10 Δ X X ◯

TABLE 4 Example Conductive Fecontent Comparative Example material dispersion (ppm) Example 1-1 Dispersion 1 0.9 Example 1-6 Dispersion 6 0.7 Comparative Example 1-1 Comparative Dispersion 1 9.0 Comparative Example 1-2 Comparative Dispersion 2 9.5 Comparative Example 1-6 Comparative Dispersion 6 6.0

It is considered that the dispersant (copolymer A) used in the examples has the Mooney viscosity of 70 or less compared to common nitrile rubber having higher Mooney viscosity, and accordingly, the adsorption force to the conductive material is improved and the conductive material dispersion having good dispersibility is easily obtained. In addition, it is considered that nitrile rubber having the Mooney viscosity of less than 40, such as the comparative dispersant 3, had low adsorption stability for the conductive material of the copolymer and could not disperse the highly cohesive carbon fibers at a high concentration.

In other words, by containing a copolymer that exhibits the Mooney viscosity of 40 or greater and 70 or less as a dispersant, it is considered that it is possible not only to suppress the aggregation of carbon fibers and make a good dispersed state, but also to achieve both dispersibility and stability even when dispersed at a high concentration.

In all of the dispersions 16 and 19 to 21 and the comparative dispersions 7 to 10 which are obtained in Examples 1-16 and 1-19 to 1-21 and Comparative Examples 1-7 to 1-10, the same conductive material (CNT (8S) is used. In the above-described dispersions, the CNT concentrations are 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0 (% by mass), respectively.

Examples 1-16 and 1-19 to 1-21 use a copolymer 6, which has particularly excellent dispersibility and stability (Mooney viscosity 45 (actual value)).

The relationship is shown in the graph of FIGURE with the CNT concentration (% by mass) in the dispersion on the x axis and the complex elastic modulus [G*] (Pa) obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement on the y axis.

As shown in FIGURE, when compared to the dispersions having the same CNT concentration, the dispersions obtained from Examples 1-19 to 1-22 have a smaller complex elastic modulus y obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement than those of the comparative dispersions. The difference is remarkable, and it can be confirmed that y<8x is satisfied.

In a case where CNT having a strong cohesive force is dispersed, as in Examples 1-16 and 1-19 to 1-21 and Comparative Examples 1-7 to 1-10, the value of complex elastic modulus decreases as the CNT concentration decreases as shown in FIGURE, but the storage stability was poor for the comparative dispersions as shown in Table 3. It is considered that this is because, in the dispersion, the dispersion that does not contain the copolymer A had a low adsorption force of the dispersant to the conductive material and could not maintain dispersion in a stable state regardless of the concentration of the conductive material.

In other words, the conductive material dispersion containing carbon fibers in the examples satisfies the relationships in the following expression (1), expression (2), and expression (3) below. y<8x  (1) y<20  (2) 0.1≤x≤10  (3)

<3> Preparation of Cathode Mixture Slurry and Cathode Film

Example 2-1

According to the composition shown in Table 5, the conductive material dispersion (dispersion 1) and NMP in which 8% by mass PVDF was dissolved were added to a plastic container having a capacity of 150 mL. Then, the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion was obtained by stirring at 2,000 rpm for 30 seconds using a self-rotating and revolving mixer (Awatori Rentaro ARE-310 manufactured by Thinky Corporation).

Then, NMC was added to the above-described binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion as an electrode active material and stirred at 2,000 rpm for 20 minutes using a self-rotating and revolving mixer. Furthermore, after this, NMP was added and stirred at 2,000 rpm for 30 seconds using a self-rotating and revolving mixer to obtain a cathode mixture slurry. The solid content of the cathode mixture slurry was 74% by mass.

The cathode mixture slurry was coated onto a 20 μm thick aluminum foil, which serves as the current collector, using an applicator. Then, the coating was dried in an electric oven at 120° C.±5° C. for 25 minutes to adjust the amount of coating per unit area of the electrode to be 20 mg/cm². Furthermore, rolling treatment was performed by using a roll press (3 t hydraulic roll press manufactured by THANK METAL Co., Ltd.) to prepare a cathode film 1a having a density of cathode mixture layer of 3.1 g/cm³.

Examples 2-2 to 2-18 and Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-6

Cathode films 2a to 18a and comparative cathode films 1a to 6a were prepared by the same method as that in Example 2-1, except that the type of conductive material dispersion was changed.

Examples 3-1 and 3-2 and Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-4

As shown in Table 5, cathode films 1b and 2b and comparative cathode films 1b to 4b were prepared by the same method as that in Examples 2-1 to 2-18 and Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-6, except that the electrode active material was changed to NCA.

In addition, the abbreviations in Table 5 refer to the following.

-   -   NMC: NCM523 (manufactured by Nippon Chemical Industrial Co.,         Ltd., composition: LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O₂, solid content         100%)     -   NCA: HED (registered trademark) NAT-7050 (manufactured by BASF         TODA Battery Materials LLC, composition:         LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.15)Al_(0.05)O₂), solid content 100%     -   PVDF: polyvinylidene fluoride (Solef #5130 (manufactured by         Solvey Co., Ltd.), solid content 100%)

TABLE 5 Cathode active Conductive material material Example Conductive Added Added Comparative material amount amount PVDF Example dispersion Type (part) Type (part) Dispersant Type Example 2-1 Dispersion 1 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 1 0.06 1.5 Example 2-2 Dispersion 2 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 4 0.06 1.5 Example 2-3 Dispersion 3 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 5 0.06 1.5 Example 2-4 Dispersion 4 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 2 0.06 1.5 Example 2-5 Dispersion 5 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 3 0.06 1.5 Example 2-6 Dispersion 6 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 6 0.06 1.5 Example 2-7 Dispersion 7 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 7 0.06 1.5 Example 2-8 Dispersion 8 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 8 0.06 1.5 Example 2-9 Dispersion 9 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 9 0.06 1.5 Example 2-10 Dispersion 10 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 10 0.06 1.5 Example 2-11 Dispersion 11 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 11 0.06 1.5 Example 2-12 Dispersion 12 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 12 0.06 1.5 Example 2-13 Dispersion 13 NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 13 0.06 1.5 Example 2-14 Dispersion 14 NMC 98.1 Flotube 0.30 Dispersant 6 0.06 1.5 9110 Example 2-15 Dispersion 15 NMC 98.1 BT1003M 0.30 Dispersant 6 0.06 1.5 Example 2-16 Dispersion 13 NMC 98.1 8S 0.30 Dispersant 6 0.075 1.5 Example 2-17 Dispersion 14 NMC 98.0 8S/HS-100 0.40 Dispersant 6 0.08 1.5 Example 2-18 Dispersion 15 NMC 98.0 8S/HS-100 0.40 Dispersant 6 0.08 1.5 Comparative Comparative NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 H-NBR3 0.06 1.5 Example 2-1 Dispersion 1 Comparative Comparative NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Comparative 0.06 1.5 Example 2-2 Dispersion 2 Dispersant 1 Comparative Comparative NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Comparative 0.06 1.5 Example 2-3 Dispersion 3 Dispersant 2 Comparative Comparative NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Comparative 0.06 1.5 Example 2-4 Dispersion 4 Dispersant 3 Comparative Comparative NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 PVP 0.06 1.5 Example 2-5 Dispersion 5 Comparative Comparative NMC 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 1 0.06 1.5 Example 2-6 Dispersion 6 Example 3-1 Dispersion 6 NCA 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 6 0.06 1.5 Example 3-2 Dispersion 11 NCA 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 11 0.06 1.5 Comparative Comparative NCA 98.1 100T 0.30 Comparative 0.06 1.5 Example 3-1 Dispersion 2 Dispersant 1 Comparative Comparative NCA 98.1 100T 0.30 Comparative 0.06 1.5 Example 3-2 Dispersion 3 Dispersant 2 Comparative Comparative NCA 98.1 100T 0.30 PVP 0.06 1.5 Example 3-3 Dispersion 5 Comparative Comparative NCA 98.1 100T 0.30 Dispersant 1 0.06 1.5 Example 3-4 Dispersion 6

Table 6 shows the evaluation results of the electrodes. All of the electrode films made by using the conductive material dispersions having low viscosity and good stability showed good resistance values. From this, it is considered that CNT can efficiently form the conductive network as compared with the comparative examples.

In addition, in the examples, the removal of metallic foreign matter during the production of the conductive material dispersion was efficiently performed. In contrast, it is considered that, in the conductive material dispersion in the comparative examples, the viscosity is high, the metallic foreign matter cannot be efficiently removed, the metallic foreign matter remains, and as a result, the resistance deteriorates.

From Example 2-1 and Comparative Example 2-6, it was confirmed that, even when the copolymer A was contained as a dispersant, the resistance value deteriorated in a case where the phase angle was less than 19°, that is, in a case where the degree of dispersion was low.

In contrast to general nitrile rubber, which has a high Mooney viscosity, it is considered that the copolymer A, which has a Mooney viscosity of 40 to 70, has a high adsorption force to the conductive material and the electrode active material particles, and has a high ability to disperse these. Therefore, it is considered that good dispersibility of the conductive material and the electrode active material was maintained not only in the conductive material dispersion but also after the electrode film was formed, resulting in excellent resistance.

TABLE 6 Example Example Comparative Comparative Rate Cycle Example Cathode Resistance Example Battery characteristics characteristics Example 2-1 Cathode 1a ⊚ Example 4-1 Battery 1a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-2 Cathode 2a ⊚ Example 4-2 Battery 2a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-3 Cathode 3a ◯ Example 4-3 Battery 3a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-4 Cathode 4a ⊚ Example 4-4 Battery 4a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-5 Cathode 5a ◯ Example 4-5 Battery 5a ◯ ⊚ Example 2-6 Cathode 6a ⊚ Example 4-6 Battery 6a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-7 Cathode 7a ⊚ Example 4-7 Battery 7a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-8 Cathode 8a ⊚ Example 4-8 Battery 8a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-9 Cathode 9a ⊚ Example 4-9 Battery 9a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-10 Cathode 10a ⊚ Example 4-10 Battery 10a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-11 Cathode 11a ⊚ Example 4-11 Battery 11a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-12 Cathode 12a ⊚ Example 4-12 Battery 12a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-13 Cathode 13a ⊚ Example 4-13 Battery 13a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-14 Cathode 14a ⊚ Example 4-14 Battery 14a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-15 Cathode 15a ⊚ Example 4-15 Battery 15a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-16 Cathode 16a ◯ Example 4-16 Battery 16a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-17 Cathode 17a ⊚ Example 4-17 Battery 17a ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-18 Cathode 18a ⊚ Example 4-18 Battery 18a ⊚ ⊚ Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 2-1 Cathode 1a Example 4-1 Battery 1a Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 2-2 Cathode 2a Example 4-2 Battery 2a Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 2-3 Cathode 3a Example 4-3 Battery 3a Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 2-4 Cathode 4a Example 4-4 Battery 4a Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 2-5 Cathode 5a Example 4-5 Battery 5a Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 2-6 Cathode 6a Example 4-6 Battery 6a Example 3-1 Cathode 1b ⊚ Example 5-1 Battery 1b ⊚ ⊚ Example 3-2 Cathode 2b ⊚ Example 5-2 Battery 2b ⊚ ⊚ Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 3-1 Cathode 1b Example 5-1 Battery 1b Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 3-2 Cathode 2b Example 5-2 Battery 2b Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 3-3 Cathode 3b Example 5-3 Battery 3b Comparative Comparative x Comparative Comparative x x Example 3-4 Cathode 4b Example 5-4 Battery 4b

<4> Preparation of Non-Aqueous Electrolyte Secondary Battery

Examples 4-1 to 4-18, Comparative Examples 4-1 to 4-6, Examples 5-1 and 5-2, and Comparative Examples 5-1 to 5-4

The following standard anode and the cathode films shown in Table 6 were punched with dimensions of 50 mm×45 mm and 45 mm×40 mm, respectively. These electrode materials and the separator (porous polypropylene film) inserted therebetween were inserted into an aluminum laminate bag and dried at 70° C. for 1 hour in an electric oven.

Subsequently, 2 mL of the electrolytic solution was injected into the glove box filled with argon gas, the aluminum laminate bag was sealed, and the batteries 1a to 18a, the batteries 1b to 2b, the comparative batteries 1a to 6a, and the comparative batteries 1b to 4b were prepared. As the electrolytic solution, an incorporated solvent was prepared by incorporating ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and diethyl carbonate at a ratio of 1:1:1 (volume ratio), and further, as an additive, a non-aqueous electrolytic solution in which 1 part of VC (vinylene carbonate) was added to 100 parts of the electrolytic solution and then LiPF₆ was dissolved at a concentration of 1M was used.

Production Example 1: Preparation of Standard Anode Mixture Slurry

After adding acetylene black (manufactured by Denka Company Limited, Denka Black (registered trademark) HS-100), CMC, and water to a plastic container having a capacity of 150 mL, by using a rotating and revolving mixer (Awatori Rentaro ARE-310 manufactured by Thinky Corporation), the mixture was stirred at 2,000 rpm for 30 seconds.

Furthermore, artificial graphite is added as an anode active material and stirred at 2,000 rpm for 150 seconds using a self-rotating and revolving mixer. Subsequently, SBR was added and stirred at 2,000 rpm for 30 seconds using a self-rotating and revolving mixer to obtain a standard anode mixture slurry.

The solid content of the standard anode mixture slurry was 48% by mass. The solid content ratio of anode active material:conductive material:CMC:SBR in the standard anode mixture slurry is 97:0.5:1:1.5.

In addition, the abbreviations described above refer to the following.

-   -   HS-100: Denka Black HS-100 (manufactured by Denka Company         Limited, acetylene black, average primary particle diameter 48         nm, specific surface area 39 m²/g)     -   Artificial graphite: CGB-20 (manufactured by Nippon Graphite         Industries, Co., Ltd.), solid content 100%     -   CMC: #1190 (manufactured by Daicel FineChem Ltd.), solid content         100%     -   SBR: TRD2001 (manufactured by JSR Corporation), solid content         48%

Production Example 2: Preparation of Standard Anode

The anode mixture slurry was coated onto a 20 μm thick copper foil, which serves as the current collector, using an applicator. Then, the coating was dried in an electric oven at 80° C.±5° C. for 25 minutes to adjust the amount of coating per unit area of the electrode to be 10 mg/cm². Furthermore, rolling treatment was performed by using a roll press (3 t hydraulic roll press manufactured by THANK METAL Co., Ltd.) to prepare an anode having a density of anode mixture layer of 1.6 g/cm³.

<Results and Considerations of Rate Test and Cycling Test>

As shown in Table 6, batteries having a conductive material dispersion having good dispersibility in the cathode film had good rate characteristics and cycle characteristics. In contrast, all of the batteries having a conductive material dispersion having poor dispersion in the cathode film had poor characteristics. It is considered that a low-resistance cathode film has a low resistance as a battery and better rate characteristics.

In addition, comparatively, since the load of cycling is concentrated on the electrode active material particles having a low resistance, degradation is accelerated. On the other hand, it is considered that, in a case where a good conductive network is formed throughout, the load is dispersed, and thus, degradation is unlikely to occur.

Furthermore, in a case where the cathode film contains the conductive material dispersion of the comparative example in which the metallic foreign matter was not sufficiently removed during the production process, it is considered that the battery performance deteriorates due to the reduction and precipitation of residual metallic foreign matter (for example, iron and copper) derived from the conductive material dispersion on the anode, resulting in a short circuit of the battery.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by achieving both the dispersibility and stability, it is possible to maintain a good dispersed state and form an efficient conductive network in the electrode film, and to produce a battery having good rate characteristics and cycle characteristics. In addition, by obtaining the conductive material dispersion with low viscosity, it is possible to improve the metallic foreign matter removal efficiency, and as a result, it is possible to produce a battery having good rate characteristics and cycle characteristics.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to representative embodiments, but the present invention is not limited by the description above. Various changes, which can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A conductive material dispersion containing a conductive material containing carbon fibers, a dispersant, and a dispersion medium, wherein the dispersant contains a copolymer A containing a nitrile group-containing structural unit and an aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit, and a Mooney viscosity (ML₁₊₄, 100° C.) of the copolymer A is 40 to 70, and a phase angle of the conductive material dispersion at a frequency of 1 Hz obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is 19° or greater.
 2. The conductive material dispersion according to claim 1, wherein a complex elastic modulus obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is less than 20 Pa.
 3. The conductive material dispersion according to claim 2, wherein a carbon fiber concentration x (% by mass) in the conductive material dispersion and a complex elastic modulus y (Pa) of the conductive material dispersion obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement satisfy relationships of the following expressions (1), (2), and (3): y<8x  (1) y<20  (2) 0.1≤x≤10  (3).
 4. The conductive material dispersion according to claim 1, wherein a content of the nitrile group-containing structural unit is 15% by mass or greater and 50% by mass or less and a content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon structural unit is 40% by mass or greater and less than 85% by mass, based on a mass of the copolymer A.
 5. The conductive material dispersion according to claim 1, further containing 1% by mass or greater and 10% by mass or less of a base based on the mass of the copolymer A.
 6. A binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion, containing the conductive material dispersion according to claim 1 and a binder resin.
 7. A slurry for an electrode film containing the conductive material dispersion according to claim 1 and an electrode active material.
 8. An electrode film containing a film formed using the conductive material dispersion according to claim
 1. 9. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrode film according to claim 8 is used for at least one of the cathode or the anode.
 10. A slurry for an electrode film containing the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion according to claim 6 and an electrode active material.
 11. An electrode film containing a film formed using the binder resin-containing conductive material dispersion according to claim
 6. 12. An electrode film containing a film formed using the slurry for an electrode film according to claim
 7. 13. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrode film according to claim 11 is used for at least one of the cathode or the anode.
 14. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrode film according to claim 12 is used for at least one of the cathode or the anode. 